Council approves first reading to amend Chapter 39 noise ordinance after public hearing

Bloomfield — The City Council on Monday approved the first reading of an amendment to Chapter 39 of the municipal code that revises the local noise ordinance to simplify enforcement.

The change, presented during a public hearing, would replace a strict decibel-based measurement with a practical audible standard — enforceable when a noise can be heard 50 feet beyond a property line — so officers can act without relying on certified sound meters. "What we have currently is very difficult to enforce because it requires a decibel reader and we just don't have one of those that's certified," the Police Chief said during the hearing.

Council members opened the hearing and heard multiple residents describe ongoing problems with loud car stereos, ATVs, and parties. One resident who spoke about a recurring problem in his neighborhood provided his address as 406 Swansea. Several councilors and members of the public questioned whether existing Iowa disorderly-conduct statutes might be used instead; the Chief said he had discussed the section with the county attorney, who was "not interested in enforcing" that approach for many noise complaints.

Supporters of the local amendment said the change would let police address repeat nuisance situations more quickly without the delay and expense of measuring decibel levels in every case. Opponents warned a simpler standard could invite abusive complaints and urged clear carve-outs for permitted events; the council discussed exemptions for school activities, permitted events, lawn maintenance and contractors.

After discussion and public comment, the council voted to close the hearing and approved the ordinance on first reading. The motion passed in a recorded vote. The amendment will return to the council for any required subsequent readings and final adoption steps.