Title
Introduce, waive reading, and set December 16, 2014 at 10:30 A.M. as the date and time to consider adoption of an ordinance amending Chapter 10.60 of the Monterey County Code relating to noise control.
(Nighttime Noise Ordinance - REF140008, County-wide; exempt under CEQA)
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors introduce, waive reading, and set December 16, 2014 at 10:30 A.M. as the date and time to consider adoption of an ordinance (Attachment A) amending Chapter 10.60 of the Monterey County Code relating to noise control.
SUMMARY:
Supervisor Calcagno requested staff to draft regulations that would address late night noise in residential neighborhoods. Staff crafted an ordinance (Attachment A) that amends Chapter 10.60 of the Monterey County Code to add regulations for the control of nighttime noise. This ordinance establishes two new standards for nighttime noise-65 dBA (maximum noise level) and 45 Leq dBA (hourly equivalent noise level)-that apply to sound from any source with limited exceptions. It also establishes procedures for the measurement of sound. Finally, the ordinance amends existing regulations for the operation of noise-producing devices at any time of day, clarifying the class of offenders that are regulated. This ordinance applies to both the coastal and non-coastal unincorporated area of Monterey County.
DISCUSSION:
The purpose of these proposed revisions is to protect residents from the detrimental effects of loud nighttime noises and provide a regulatory tool for law enforcement officers to respond to neighborhood complaints. The revisions are a response to a request from Supervisor Calcagno's Office to address public complaints about loud sounds from late-night gatherings in residential neighborhoods. There is no new state mandate that requires action by Monterey County. As such, the primary basis for this new regulation is Monterey County's police power to protect the pu...
Click here for full text