DEPARTMENT: Development Services
DEPARTMENT HEAD: Michael Shannon
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: City Wide
SUBJECT:
Proposed Noise Ordinance Task Force
SUMMARY:
On March 15, 2021, Councilmembers Robert Trevino and Clayton Perry initiated a Council Consideration Request (CCR) for City staff to review the City Code, to adjust the noise ordinance so it is easy to understand and enforce, and so residents can have a peaceful quiet enjoyment of their home without having to resort to filing a complaint on their commercial neighbors.
The Noise Ordinance Task Force is to complete a review of the Noise Ordinance Chapter 21 Article III of the City of San Antonio Code and make recommendations on areas to include, but not limited to:
• Noise thresholds (dB levels)
• Hours specifying dB thresholds
• Hours of enforcement
• Enforcement entities and processes
• Low frequency noise (e.g. bass and sub-bass frequencies)
• Vibration
• Penalties
• "Entertainment zones," zoning overlays, and other provisions which may govern noise
in and near residential (planning)
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
The presence of entertainment venues and establishments in neighborhoods presents unique challenges that impact the quality of life for residents in neighborhoods such as King William, Oak Park - Northwood and Tobin Hill.
The San Antonio Police Department (SAPD) is primarily responsible for enforcement of the ordinance as a result of the significant number of reported violations that occur late at night and early morning hours. The SAPD works in coordination with the Development Services Department’s Code Enforcement to address noise ordinance violations during the day and as needed on a case-by-case basis.
ISSUE:
The San Antonio Police Department works in collaboration with the Development Services Department to address noise ordinance violations. Noise complaints are primarily investigated by SAPD SAFFE and Vice units. SAPD maintains an inventory of 29 noise meters which are assigned to each substation. Typically, officers will meet with the complainant and take a noise reading before meeting with the suspected offender in an attempt to achieve voluntary compliance. In the event voluntary compliance is not achieved, a misdemeanor citation may be issued.
Since January 2020, the SAPD has received a total of 44,468 calls related to loud music which resulted in 56 misdemeanor noise violation citations. The majority of loud music complaints are made against entertainment venues such as bars and night clubs as well as multi-family developments.
ALTERNATIVES:
This memo is for briefing purposes only.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no fiscal impact; this memo is for briefing purposes only.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends referring the proposed creation of a Noise Ordinance Task Force to the Culture & Neighborhood Services Committee for consideration.