Title
Outdoor Concerts (B)
This item requests the City Commission authorize the revision to City's Noise Ordinance to reflect changes recommended by UF Noise Consultant Jared Anderson.
Explanation
The City's downtown area also serves as an entertainment district which leads to higher levels of noise than might be present in other parts of the City. Over the last few years, the City has seen increasing interest in holding outdoor events including concerts that generate excitement and activity in the downtown area contributing customers to downtown businesses.
Similar to many cities, the challenge appears to be to find an appropriate balance between the needs and desire for a lively and dynamic downtown area that is a draw to residents and visitors with the needs and interests of downtown and nearby residents and businesses who feel that they are being or will be negatively impacted by noise generated by outdoor concerts in the downtown area. The City's noise ordinance helps to control or manage some of the issues but the ordinance does not cover the underlying issue generating the most complaints, which is the bass level.
After an extensive study of the entertainment district, Jared Anderson issued a report to the Public Safety Committee. At its May 7, 2014 meeting, the Public Safety Committee approved a recommendation that City Commission move forward with Mr. Anderson's recommendations to amend the noise ordinance.
Fiscal Note
None at this time.
Recommendation
The City Commission: 1) hear a report from City staff and the City's consultant and 2) direct the City Attorney to draft and the Clerk of the Commission to advertise amendments to the City's Noise Ordinance to reflect the recommendations identified in the consultant's report.