Noise Ordinance Question

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Noise Ordinance Question

Submitted by Chia on Sun, 05/25/2008 - 6:43am.

Hi,

I've lost track of where the posts on the noise ordinance are and have a question that I hope someone won't mind answering. What is the indoor noise level that the city council thinks is appropriate? I think the words used were "moderate conversation" but I'm looking for something less subjective, in decibels. A link to the city council source for the information would be very much appreciated as well.

Thank you!

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There is no indoor noise

Submitted by Just another voice on Sun, 05/25/2008 - 10:49am.

There is no indoor noise level that the city thinks is appropriate. 60 dB is about the same as the sound of a dryer. That would be measured no farther than the property line. So if you can hear the sound of a dryer in your apt and its a venues fault, that is a violation.

But I am Just Another Voice

the proposed decibal level was 60, to be measured at the

Submitted by DSnyder on Sun, 05/25/2008 - 10:52am.

property line from which the complaint was made. it really doesn't have anything to do with "indoor noise level", though the land use & environment committee rightly pointed out that it doesn't make sense since people don't live and sleep at their property line.

i believe the council had a closed-door meeting after the land use & environment non-recommendation. i don't know if that's public record or not. i'm guessing not.

Well...

Submitted by Nicki on Sun, 05/25/2008 - 8:00pm.

If a normal conversation, according to the article in today's zero, is between 55 and 65 decibels and they want to limit downtown noise to 60 decibels, will we all have to start wispering after 10P.M.??? This is so crazy!

If you are inside the venue

Submitted by Just another voice on Sun, 05/25/2008 - 9:30pm.

If you are inside the venue then you can be as loud as you want. It is when your conversation comes into to my bedroom that the ordinance will take effect. Not unreasonable.

Just as an FYI noise above 60dBs must be sustained for a 15 min period before the complaint would be valid.

But I am Just Another Voice

Noise Levels and Effect on Health

Submitted by Chia on Tue, 05/27/2008 - 6:57am.

If the information at this site is correct, the noise level of an average home is 50dB and health problems begin with consistent exposure (such as with music or continual conversation of a group of people) at 65dB, I'm having difficulty finding fault with someone who wishes to ensure that their home environment is a healthful place to be. At the same time I like the creative vibrance of downtown and would like to see that preserved in a way that doesn't create health problems in living environments.

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