Delray Beach holds town hall on proposed noise ordinance; residents and businesses split over enforcement and tech

Delray Beach city staff presented proposed amendments to the city’s noise ordinance at a Jan. 20 town hall, outlining new decibel limits, a plainly audible/100-foot standard and a plan to use Type 2 sound level meters to measure violations. City Manager (Mister Moore) said the amendments are intended to "strike a balance between resident and business interests" as the city prepares for the ordinance’s second reading before the City Commission.

The presentation traced the ordinance process to a consultant study begun in 2022 and soundwalks of the downtown entertainment district. Staff described proposed new sections (99.05, 99.06 and 99.08) to set maximum noise levels, distinguish active and quiet hours, update definitions and list activities that would not be subject to enforcement (for example certain motor vehicles and vessels under defined circumstances). The staff recommended sound level meters that "meet or exceed the requirements for type 2 sound level meters described in…