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Big Bear Lake musicians and businesses press council for clearer amplified-music rules
Summary
Residents and performers urged the City Council to pause strict enforcement of the 65-dB noise limit and adopt clearer rules for amplified outdoor music in the village; staff says a permitting path is available and council asked staff to draft ordinance options.
Big Bear Lake City Council heard more than an hour of public comment June 10 from musicians, business owners and residents calling for clearer rules and temporary relief on enforcement of the city—noise ordinance for amplified outdoor music in the village.
"The sound level is not so high that I cannot comfortably sit and have a conversation," said Lyn Lafern, a longtime resident and performer, arguing that outdoor music helps draw customers to village businesses and asking the council to place a short-term pause on strict decibel enforcement while staff drafts an amendment.
Musician Duke Michaels told the council the uncertainty is harming local performers and venues. "Make a decision. Provide a clear path forward," he said, pressing the council for a firm timetable.
City Manager Eric explained that staff has created an administrative permitting path to allow amplified outdoor music and is working with businesses on mitigation measures (speaker placement, hours and other conditions). "We figured out a process to allow for amplified outdoor music in the village," he said, urging businesses to apply for permits.
Performers urged the council to treat similar businesses equally and not leave vendors subject to variable complaint-driven enforcement. Peggy Baldwin, another musician, asked the council to "put in motion a temporary pause on the strict enforcement of the 65-decibel limit in commercial locations until city planning and code enforcement staff have a chance to draft an amendment." Baldwin said the summer season and scheduled events make the request time-sensitive.
Council members said they want better technical understanding of decibel thresholds before making code changes. Council directed staff to arrange a demonstration and joint workshop with the planning commission to show what 65 dB, 75 dB and louder sound levels mean in practical terms and to explore ordinance changes if the demonstration shows a need.
The discussion does not change the existing municipal noise code; it directs staff to return with an informed recommendation. Council members emphasized that any ordinance amendment would be processed publicly through the planning commission and council hearings.
Why it matters: Big Bear—Lake's village economy is tourism- and hospitality-driven. Live outdoor music is a regular draw for restaurants and retail; unclear or inconsistently enforced limits can affect livelihoods and event scheduling. The council's next steps—technical demonstrations and a potential code amendment—aim to balance business needs with neighboring property rights and public comfort.
