Council adopts revised sound ordinance on first reading, shifting enforcement to civil citations

Assistant City Attorney Cory Smith and Assistant Chief David Gordon introduced Ordinance 4322, designed to replace the existing noise article with a modern 'sound' code that sets decibel standards by zoning district, clarifies outdoor venue approval criteria and introduces a civil‑citation enforcement track to avoid routine criminal proceedings.

Assistant Chief Gordon explained the change was intended to make enforcement more nimble: "This changes that so that we can institute civil citations" rather than defaulting to criminal notices to appear. Council members pressed staff on escalation steps and officer discretion; Mayor Lawson and others urged language revisions so officers must conclude investigations when subjects promptly comply, while others warned that strict 'shall' language could strip officers of needed discretion in complex incidents.

During public comment residents in Lone Pine and Ocean Mall said louder, later events and expanded outdoor music since the pandemic have created quality‑of‑life problems; one speaker said a dB meter measured levels above current charter limits. Council voted to pass Ordinance 4322 on first reading with one dissent (Councilperson Miller Anderson). Staff said second reading will return with any technical edits requested by council.

Why it matters: The code moves enforcement to civil mechanisms and defines measurable decibel standards — a material change in how the city handles sound complaints and special events. Residents will be affected by new allowable hours/levels and event variance processes.

Next steps: Council expects a second reading with possible language changes; staff will incorporate the council’s direction on enforcement wording and return the ordinance for final adoption.