Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Noise Ordinance topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council to gather decibel data after downtown noise debate; no ordinance adopted
Summary
After extensive public comment from downtown business owners and residents, Lake Jackson council agreed to buy calibrated sound meters and collect measurements rather than immediately adopt a citywide noise ordinance or amplified-sound permit.
Lake Jackson council and city staff heard extended public comment from downtown music venue operators and neighborhood residents about repeated noise complaints. Danny Duke, a DJ who performs downtown, and Howard Jackson, owner of Backyard Patio, told council that the lack of a clear, enforceable standard has caused confusion and friction; Duke urged an objective threshold rather than vague language.
The police chief and staff explained enforcement has been complaint-driven under state law and that 85 decibels measured at the property line is the states presumption of an unreasonable amplified sound. The chief said enforcement without objective data has been difficult; council and staff agreed to acquire ANSI-calibrated meters, collect field measurements at representative downtown locations and return with findings before proposing a new ordinance or amplified-sound permit.
Council emphasized a desire to balance downtown businesses vibrancy with residents peace; several downtown owners said they would prefer clear, consistent rules and to self-regulate rather than seek permits. No ordinance or permit requirement was adopted tonight; staff will gather data and return with recommended thresholds and enforcement approaches.
