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CITY OF GLENDALE, CALIFORNIA
REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL
AGENDA ITEM
Report: Downtown Noise Ordinance Review of Standards and Enforcement
1.Motion directing staff to conduct a Noise Ordinance Study in the Downtown Specific Plan area and modifying enforcement within the area until which time a study can be completed.
COUNCIL ACTION
Item Type: Action Item
Approved for November 14, 2023 calendar
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
During the August 15, 2023 meeting, Council requested that the noise standards in the downtown area be agenized for review. Staff is seeking direction on what those new standards might encompass, and how enforcement should be handled in the interim. 2{{section.number}}{{item.number}}
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RECOMMENDATION
That Council provide direction on whether to move forward with a study of the noise standards in the downtown, and if any modifications are necessary for enforcement during a study period.
ANALYSIS
The current noise ordinance, found in the Glendale Municipal Code Chapter 8.36 NOISE CONTROL, outlines the City’s standards for amplified sound. Chapter 8.36.280 Regulations states:
B. The operation of sound-amplifying equipment shall only occur between the hours of seven a.m. and ten p.m. each day except on Sundays and legal holidays. No operation of sound-amplifying equipment for commercial purposes shall be permitted on Sundays or legal holidays. The operation of sound- amplifying equipment for noncommercial purposes on Sundays and legal holidays shall only occur between the hours of seven a.m. and ten p.m.
The City of Glendale has focused economic efforts on building a vibrant downtown area to include nightlife entertainment options. The current noise ordinance is restrictive to these goals as it ends amplified sounds at 10:00 p.m. It should be noted that neither the Police Department nor Code Enforcement Inspectors are authorized to measure sound levels. Only a certified acoustical engineer can measure decibel levels. As such, current enforcement requires that even ambient music that is amplified is not permitted beyond 10:00 pm.
Future study recommendations may include to extend the hours of operation of amplified sound to a later hour such as midnight or 2:00 am, and/or removing the Sunday or legal holiday restrictions. At this time, it is recommended these changes be isolated to just the Downtown Specific Plan area as that accomplishes Council’s stated goal of increasing nighttime activity, while preserving noise levels in the rest of the city and narrowing the study scope.
STAKEHOLDERS/OUTREACH
No outreach has been conducted to date. If City Council temporarily or ultimately modifies the noise standards, outreach to the business community will be conducted to ensure compliance with new standards.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact associated with this report.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW (CEQA/NEPA)
Noise standards, if ultimately modified following a study, will require CEQA review.
CAMPAIGN DISCLOSURE
This item is exempt from campaign disclosure requirements. 3{{section.number}}{{item.number}}
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ALTERNATIVES
1. Suspend enforcement of noise standards in the downtown while new noise standards are studied.
2. Modify enforcement of noise standards in the downtown while new noise standards are studied.
3. Do not modify or suspend enforcement while new noise standards are studied in the downtown.
4. Do not study noise standards in the downtown.
ADMINISTRATIVE ACTION
Submitted by:
Bradley Calvert, Director of Community Development
Prepared by:
Tamar Sadd, Deputy Director of Community Development
Approved by:
Roubik R. Golanian, P.E., City Manager
EXHIBITS/ATTACHMENTS