City tackling noise ordinance changes

City Council decided they need another workshop to discuss further the City's noise ordinance.

Staff and councilors were all in agreement about one factor: there should be specific clear criteria regarding noise levels to make enforcement fair and easy.

Areas of consideration include time restrictions: What are they and should they be different for weekdays and weekends/holidays? Should there be exemptions granted for certain events or businesses? Can a variance be issued for certain events? Should there be noise limits based on decibels measured?

Most of the complaints received in the City have to do with live outdoor music and some for construction jobs beginning work before 7 a.m.

City Manager Brant Kucera indicated the City is getting more requests for variances for live music that goes beyond 10 p.m., the current cutoff time. He pointed out that the wording of the City code is not criteria-based, but rather left to the discretion of the City Manager, a situation he thinks is too subjective.

"I want to treat everyone the same. I don't want to hurt businesses but I also need to meet needs of the residents," Kucera said.

Staff suggested that perhaps businesses could be allowed three special events when music could go later. They also suggested that the two large signature events in Sisters - the rodeo and the folk festival - should be considered special circumstances being exempt from needing any kind of variance, based on the understanding that those events will necessarily involve loud outdoor music being played later into the evening.

Hardtails Bar & Grill owner Steve Macey testified during visitor communication that he is in favor of specific decibel-level regulations and had suggested that previously to the City. He thinks decibel measurements will remove the human element from the equation.

He said his entertainment helps bring people to town. He has offered to cut down the number of events he will hold and a sound technician has been hired. Macey explained that in the summer, his outdoor shows don't start until 9 p.m. because that is when the sun is low enough in the sky so it isn't shining in the eyes of his patrons.

Macey told the Council, "I'm here to work with you, not against you. I am asking you to make it 11 p.m. on the weekends."