Council gets look at noise law
The Daily Triplicate |Nick Grube|Dec 31, 2009
Currently there is no municipal law governing noise in Crescent City, but over the past several months, as the Planning Commission has attempted to draft an ordinance for small wind energy systems, it was apparent that rules for noise were needed.
Currently there is no municipal law governing noise in Crescent City, but over the past several months, as the Planning Commission has attempted to draft an ordinance for small wind energy systems, it was apparent that rules for noise were needed.
Ordinance would regulate sounds inside city limits
Crescent City Council members will discuss a proposed noise ordinance Monday that, if eventually approved, would regulate sounds within city limits.
Currently there is no municipal law governing noise in Crescent City, but over the past several months, as the Planning Commission has attempted to draft an ordinance for small wind energy systems, it was apparent that rules for noise were needed.
"There are a lot of reasons that it makes sense for a city to have a noise ordinance," Crescent City Manager Rod Butler said. "There are some reasons other than just the wind energy systems issue."
In addition to regulating wind turbines, he said the proposed ordinance will address other …
... more [truncated due to possible copyright]Ordinance would regulate sounds inside city limits
Crescent City Council members will discuss a proposed noise ordinance Monday that, if eventually approved, would regulate sounds within city limits.
Currently there is no municipal law governing noise in Crescent City, but over the past several months, as the Planning Commission has attempted to draft an ordinance for small wind energy systems, it was apparent that rules for noise were needed.
"There are a lot of reasons that it makes sense for a city to have a noise ordinance," Crescent City Manager Rod Butler said. "There are some reasons other than just the wind energy systems issue."
In addition to regulating wind turbines, he said the proposed ordinance will address other noises, including loudspeakers, vehicle horns and machinery such as heating and air conditioning units and swimming pool and hot tub pumps.
Under the Planning Commission's proposed ordinance, noise limits would vary among residential, commercial and industrial properties, and are contingent upon what time of day it is.
If you go:
- WHAT: Crescent City Council meeting
- WHEN: 6 p.m. Monday
- WHERE: Flynn Administration Center, 981 H St.
For instance, during daytime hours in a residential neighborhood, noise could not exceed 55 decibels, which is about as loud as a refrigerator or normal conversation. That sound would be measured from what are deemed "noise sensitive units" that are defined as buildings, vehicles, boats or other overnight accommodations like apartments, trailers and hospitals. According to the draft code, these measurements could be taken from inside these "units" or at or within 25 feet of their exterior.
The nighttime standard would be more strict, only allowing noise levels to reach 50 decibels. In commercial and industrial areas, the levels are higher at 60 and 75 decibels, respectively, during the day.
Any noise disturbance that violates these noise limits would be punishable through the city's administrative citation process.
City Council members will comment on these various restrictions and guidelines Monday in order to give direction to the Planning Commission before finalizing a draft ordinance. That new ordinance would then go back to the City Council at future meeting for final approval.