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Council approves first reading of noise ordinance amendment after debate over paid variances
Summary
Council voted to approve first reading by title of a change to Chapter 92 (noise) after debate about permits that allow events to exceed decibel limits; officials said paid variances create enforcement confusion and unfairness for neighbors.
Chesterfield County Council approved first reading by title on March 2 of an ordinance amending Chapter 92 of the county code (noise), after members and law-enforcement officials criticized a system that allows paid variances to exceed decibel limits late at night.
Councilman Ford said the current variance process effectively lets some events ‘‘pay to play’’ and that council should not be ‘‘in the business of picking winners and losers’’ for neighborhoods. ‘‘I just don't know that we really need to be in the business of picking winners and losers of what communities we're going to allow,’’ Ford said.
The county sheriff described enforcement difficulties under the current approach. ‘‘It kind of puts the sheriff’s office in a bad position because we’re tasked with enforcing the ordinance, but yet somebody’s paid money so they can go beyond the [time limit],’’ the sheriff said, urging clearer, uniform enforcement standards.
A county attorney told the council the proposed amendment would remove the discretion to grant variances and create a single, enforceable decibel standard; that, the attorney said, would simplify enforcement for deputies and provide uniformity for residents.
After discussion the council approved first reading by voice vote; the measure will return for the required second and third readings before final adoption. Council members said staff and the sheriff’s office will work on language so the ordinance is clear about cutoff times, decibel tiers and permit compliance.
Next steps: The council will consider revisions in subsequent readings and expects sheriff’s office input to ensure the ordinance is enforceable and equitable to residents.
