TO: Mayor and Commissioners
FROM: Lynn Gelin, City Attorney
DATE: November 18, 2025
Title
UPDATES TO THE NOISE ORDINANCE
Body
Background:
Based on the Commission’s direction, staff has drafted changes to Chapter 99 of the Code of Ordinances, Noise Control, to make the City’s noise regulations more understandable to the general public and easier for City staff to enforce. Currently, the noise ordinance employs a subjective standard, leading to confusion and misunderstanding regarding what constitutes loud, excessive, or unnecessary noise. The proposed changes, derived from sound studies conducted by the City’s outside consultant, utilize an objective standard using decibels.
Staff expects to bring the revisions to Chapter 99 to the City Commission for consideration on December 1, 2025 for 1st reading in December and January 13, 2026 for second reading. If adopted, during the month of January, staff will be trained on the amendments to the ordinance as well as the use of decibel meters. A warning period will occur before full enforcement begins in late February/early March of 2026.
City Attorney Review:
Approved as to form and legal sufficiency.