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Residents and businesses weigh limits on outdoor music at Nashville input session
Summary
A Town of Nashville public input session on April 23 drew residents and business owners debating a proposed ordinance to regulate outdoor music and noise, with concerns about indoor intrusion, enforceability and the use of decibel meters; consultants will compile feedback and return recommendations.
The Town of Nashville held a public input session on April 23 to gather community feedback on a proposed ordinance regulating outdoor music and noise. President Andi Wilson opened the meeting at 5:30 p.m. and said each speaker would have three minutes to comment.
Consultant Ed Curtin, who ran the session, told attendees: "this is purely public input, we want to hear what you all have to say." Cynthia Bowen of REA said paper surveys were available in the room and that the same survey is online at NashvilleUDO.com; surveys are due by the second Friday of May. Curtin and Bowen said staff will compile the comments and survey results and return with suggested changes to the draft ordinance.
The most common complaints from residents focused on music audible inside homes even with windows closed, the use of PA systems and whether current rules are enforceable. A Wells Drive resident said she can hear music from nearby Hard Truth while inside her home and urged quieter standards in residential neighborhoods. Commenters also broadened the discussion to other sources of intrusive noise, including loud cars and dogs, and asked that any ordinance apply fairly across those problems.
Business owners, musicians and some community members urged the council to balance support for the town's arts and music scene with neighbors' right to quiet. Speakers suggested using decibel meters to set objective thresholds, but several residents called the draft ordinance vague and said the town needs clear enforcement mechanisms, including consideration of a Code Enforcement Officer.
Councilmember Lance Miller asked whether tolerable sound in residential areas should be the same as downtown, reflecting a recurring theme that different zones may require different standards. Multiple participants noted the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) process takes about 18 months and urged more public engagement before adoption, warning that the topic can be divisive without broader consensus.
Curtin closed by thanking attendees and saying staff would return with recommendations based on the evening's comments and the surveys. President Wilson adjourned the session at 7:20 p.m.
