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City adopts amended noise limits on first reading, caps nighttime levels at 65 dB
Summary
Commission approved on first reading a revision to the city’s noise ordinance that sets daytime limits and lowers overnight thresholds to 65 decibels after police and commissioners argued for a stricter nighttime standard. The measure will return for second reading with the amended decibel schedule.
The commission approved an amended noise ordinance on first reading that revises the city’s decibel thresholds and waterfronts the enforcement approach. After hearing research from staff and operational input from the police department, commissioners amended the draft to cap overnight readings at 65 decibels.
Vice Mayor (speaker 7) and police representatives noted that 80 dB would be high for residential areas overnight; Police (speaker 2) said officers respond to many loud‑noise calls and recommended a lower nighttime standard to avoid intolerable conditions. The commission adopted the amendment by roll call vote 5–0 on first reading and directed staff to monitor daytime complaint volumes after implementation.
Mayor Fernandez noted the town center is exempt from the residential standard and encouraged staff to track complaints and revisit thresholds if operational experience suggests adjustments are needed.
