RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) — The Raleigh City Council voted unanimously Tuesday to change the city’s noise ordinance, returning enforcement to decibel levels starting next year.
“I think in general it’s a good step forward,” said Larry Miller, President of the Glenwood South Neighborhood Collaborative.
For the last year and a half, the city has used a “reasonable person” standard to determine if a business is being too loud.
“It’s just been really hard to manage and hard to enforce,” said Councilmember Christina Jones.
PREVIOUSLY: Raleigh City Council holds public hearing as it considers changing noise ordinance
The new decibel system the city is moving to includes different maximum levels depending on the time of day, day of the week and location in the city.
“We’re trying to really balance our business and residential concerns. We hear a lot of feedback from residents, who, this is too loud, and businesses who want to be able to make money,” Jones explained.
Businesses in Glenwood South will have a set standard, with a maximum of 92 dB(C) between 10 a.m. and midnight on Fridays and Saturdays, with max levels decreasing outside that window.
“This will give them some more certainty, it will also give the residents a level that they know what they can expect, and the businesses know what they can expect,” Miller said.
During last week’s public hearing on the proposed changes, multiple business owners from the popular downtown district voiced concerns over the potential impacts, urging the council to take more time to evaluate before making a decision.
“You’re going after livelihoods of a lot of people by cutting back the sound, energy and vibrancy of that area. We understand people live out there, but we also want a fair chance to come together to figure out what we can make work from both sides of the coin,” Josh Vuncanon, manager of Whiskey Rose, said last week.
Businesses in other parts of the city will be limited to a maximum of 75 dB(C), but owners can apply for a permit that would allow them to potentially reach volumes up to 88 dB(C).
They have until the start of the new year to prepare for the changes.
“They’re going to have to spend time with the businesses, going out there on the weekends and saying, this is acceptable or not acceptable,” said Miller.
City leaders say they’ll re-evaluate the effectiveness of the noise ordinance in about a year.
“Coming to this moment and being able to decide on something, also allowed us to say, this isn’t the end,” said Jones.
Violations to the new ordinance will carry a $1,500 penalty. A fourth offense would result in loss of outdoor sound equipment for 18 months.
To help with enforcement, the Raleigh Police Department is planning to hire four non-sworn staff that will be trained on how to monitor noise and issue violations. Earlier this month, Chief Rico Boyce said these staff members would be assigned to existing Hospitality Units.
