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Committee votes to delete decades-old sound-amplification ordinance
Summary
After consulting with public safety staff, the committee voted to delete Chapter 20 (sound-amplifying equipment), concluding the provision is rarely used and that noise issues are better handled under nuisance/noise rules; the deletion passed by the committee.
The God of Kation Review Committee voted on Jan. 25 to delete Chapter 20 of the municipal code, a section regulating the use of sound-amplifying equipment for commercial and non-commercial purposes.
The mayor reported that Chief Bailey and Lieutenant Beverly told the administration they have not used the provision and treat noise complaints under nuisance and standard noise ordinances. Members cited modern free-speech precedents and the evolution of public events and music festivals as reasons the old language is difficult to enforce.
A motion to delete Chapter 20 was made, seconded and carried; the clerk recorded the vote as three in favor. Committee members said they will rely on existing noise and nuisance ordinances and recommended removing Chapter 20 as obsolete.
Next steps: staff will remove Chapter 20 from the draft code and continue to coordinate how noise and amplified-sound complaints are handled administratively and by the police department.
