Title
Review of the Noise Control Regulations
Receive a report on the implementation of the noise control regulations contained in Chapter 10.60 of the Monterey County Code, consider modifications to Chapter 10.60 suggested by the Civil Grand Jury, and provide direction to staff.
Location: County-wide
Proposed CEQA action: Find the review of the noise control regulations is not a project as defined in Section 15378 of the CEQA Guidelines.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends that the Board of Supervisors:
a. Find that this review of the noise control regulations is not a project as defined in section 15378 of the CEQA Guidelines;
b. Receive a report on the implementation of the noise control regulations contained in Monterey County Code Chapter 10.60;
c. Consider modifications to Chapter 10.60 suggested by the Civil Grand Jury; and
d. Provide direction to staff as appropriate.
SUMMARY:
On June 21, 2022, the Board of Supervisors adopted Ordinance number 5379 amending Chapter 10.60 of the Monterey County Code to modify regulations for the control of nighttime noise and enforcement mechanisms. Chapter 10.60 is attached as Attachment A to this report for reference. In adopting Ordinance No. 5379, the Board of Supervisors requested that the Housing & Community Development Department (HCD) return to the Board with a report on implementation efforts. HCD has been enforcing Chapter 10.60 for roughly one year now, and is returning for a review of its enforcement efforts.
In general, HCD's enforcement efforts have had some success. In most, but not all, cases, compliance with nighttime noise regulations is achieved after the issuance of a warning and threat of fine. However, in some cases, particularly properties with reoccurring and unpermitted events, warnings and fines have not been successful in deterring property owners from violating the nighttime noise regulations. The reason events are especially problematic is because the financial gain to a property owner ...
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