"This is a really good step in the right direction," said Glenwood South resident Larry Miller. He attended Tuesday's City Council meeting, where leaders heard a presentation from Brian Block, CEO of Sound City Planning. Block proposed that the City adopt his "customized" recommendations.
Block proposed three separate noise recommendations for Raleigh after reviewing similar challenges in Austin, Texas.
First, for businesses in Glenwood South, for the primary time period from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., Sunday through Thursday, the maximum decibel limit would be 80dBA. During the late night, 10 p.m. until 2 a.m., the limit would decrease to 75 dBA, with no plainly audible sound from 25 feet away during the 2 a.m. until 10 a.m. overnight hours. On Fridays and Saturdays, the maximum decibel limits for the primary and late-night hours would increase to 82dBA and 80dBA, respectively.
"There will be some businesses that, because of their location or the surroundings, won't be happy that they have to turn their sound down. So we want to accommodate the vast majority of the people. But will it be that 100%? Probably not," said Miller.
"The recommendations really try to strike a balance to recognize that it's a vibrant, robust hospitality district, especially on weekends with their residences nearby, and find that common ground, which is what I think we've done," said Block after the meeting.
In an effort to enforce violations, Raleigh Police Chief Rico Boyce said the department looks to hire four non-sworn personnel to respond to reports of complaints and violations. After three repeated violations within a 12-month period, businesses will be faced with a $1,500 penalty.
Block also suggested the City adopt a 'baseline' maximum decibel level for businesses during the daytime 10 a.m. until 10 p.m. hours and nighttime 10 p.m. through 2 a.m. nighttime hours at 70dBA and 55dBA, respectively. Citywide businesses also would be prohibited from having no plainly audible sound from 25 feet away during overnight hours. This would be in effect seven days a week.
Should a business apply for a permit, with the exclusion of Glenwood South District businesses, up to 80dBA would be allowed during the hours of 10 a.m. and 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday. On Fridays and Saturdays, the allowable sound level would be extended to 11 p.m.
"It's certainly work. But it's achieving what we want to do to find that balance between both businesses and residents," said Whitney Schoenfeld with the City of Raleigh's Special Events department. "We certainly know that Raleigh is not unique and not alone in the noise and sound management challenges that we have. No one has it fully figured out."
The public is invited to a hearing in front of the City Council on this matter at 6 p.m. on Oct. 14 at City Hall.
New Sip N' Stroll district approved
The new 'Sip n' Stroll' district around Seaboard Station was approved by council members.
The proposed boundaries were modified to include the 111 Seaboard Ave. business strip.
These changes will take effect on Nov. 14.
Participation would remain optional for each business. Local business owners, like Madison Acevedo, manager of Biscuit Belly, support the idea, saying it offers a unique way for people to connect and enjoy the city.