City Council
March 21, 2023
Downtown Noise Regulations Study Session
Background
The Planning Commission and City Council have both separately considered amendments to the Noise Ordinance on several occasions since 2009 but was unable to reach consensus regarding Noise Standards.
In 2014 City Council adopted Resolution No. 2014-58 to consider amendments to the FMC pertaining to noise regulation.
In 2018 City Council adopted Resolution No. 2018-31 to amend the Fullerton Municipal Code (FMC) April 16, 2019 the City Council approved amendments to Titles 15 & 3 of the FMC as it related to alcohol selling businesses and entertainment permits.
Process to Date
Policy Direction
Amend Noise standards to more effectively address noise levels late at night in the downtown area and/or city wide.
Find balance between an active downtown with entertainment and quality of life for downtown residents.
Opportunities to improve noise regulations
Noise Ordinance & Standards
Reflect existing CUPs
Implement Action Plan 8.1 – Update the City’s Noise Ordinance Commercial Corridors
Downtown or City-wide?
Should a specific noise ordinance be created for downtown exclusively, or should it include city wide commercial zoning? Unique characteristics of Downtown – Proposed Downtown Noise Zone Restaurant/bars in other commercial corridors
Outdoor Entertainment
Should the permitted noise levels account for outdoor entertainment? 2009 Noise Study looked at sound levels produced by live bands performing outdoors and an acoustical consultant recommended a maximum sound level of 85dB(a), which is consistent with the 2020 proposed ordinance.
Should it complement existing approved CUP’s that permit entertainment (amplified music/live band/DJ)
Enforcement Hours
Enforcement Hours
Other Cities – range between 6:00 PM and 1:30 AM
Proposed Downtown Noise Zone – 7:00 PM – 1:30 AM
City Council
March 21, 2023
Downtown Noise Regulations Study Session