Residents and council clash over proposed noise ordinance, enforcement and decibel standards

Council spent an extended portion of the meeting on competing drafts of a noise ordinance that would set decibel, distance and enforcement standards for outdoor music, entertainment venues and other sound sources. Two separate drafts were on the table and several council members urged staff and the police chief to review them to ensure enforceability.

Resident Becky Blevins, who spoke during public comment, urged the council to use a neutral legal drafter and to include residents most affected by noise in the drafting process. She warned that vague standards can leave enforcement to officers’ discretion and said, “No resident should have their sleep interrupted, have to sleep with earplugs, fear retaliation if they call in, or have their invited guest leave because entertainment was impossible due to uninvited loud noise.” Councilors and staff discussed specific provisions being considered, including a 75-foot buffer from speakers, the use of decibel meters near property lines, and the difference between a noise-ordinance violation and disturbing-the-peace complaints. Some councilors emphasized that officers need objective tools to enforce the law, while others cautioned that mandating meters or requiring specific measurements could impose costs and implementation burdens.

The council did not adopt a final noise ordinance at the meeting. Members agreed to further review, to consult the police chief, and to gather additional public input; one councilor suggested comparing the drafts against best practices the municipality’s consultant will assemble as part of a broader data-center and planning study.