What do you think about these proposed changes to the Noise Ordinance?

The Provo City Council is considering the following updates to the Noise Ordinance. They will vote at the January 28th Council Meeting. For detailed information, read the Staff Memo (click on Item #3) and listen to the December 17th Work Meeting.

Noise Limits

• Simplify noise limits based on time of day and residential/industrial zones.

• Limit noise levels based on continuous noise for two-minute intervals or intermittent noise that exceeds the maximum level five or more times within a ten-minute period. Levels for residential noise are a maximum of 55 dBA during the night (10 PM–7 AM) and a maximum of 65 dBA during the day. 

• Assess violations relative to background noise levels (e.g., up to 5 decibels above ambient at night) so the ordinance works for both quiet and busier areas. (UPDATE: The City's noise measurement technology does not currently have this capability, so this particular proposal will be brought back to the Council later.)

Stadium Exemptions

• The Council voted (6:0) for staff to draft stadium exemptions:

• Exempt official athletic competitions regardless of time.

• Allow non-athletic events during daytime hours (7 AM–10 PM); require a permit for nighttime events.

Liability for Repeat Violations

• Charge those responsible for the noise violation if police are called back for all additional responses beyond the first (e.g., costs for officer time, damages). The $500 cap would be removed.

Note: Most noise complaints are unrelated to stadiums, instead stemming from loud music and parties, particularly in District 5. The Pleasant View and University Neighborhoods (near the BYU Stadium) account for 2–3% of citywide noise complaints over the past five years.

What do you think about these proposed changes ? Share your opinion below or email [email protected].