PC 091212 - Laserfiche WebLink

Brian Dolan stated that he was not actively involved in the Task Force and was, therefore, not privy to all the dialogue that took place when they were coming up with that standard or that concept. He noted that it occurred to him that the closer a business is to the edge of the Downtown, the harder it is to mitigate its noise and the more likely it would create an issue. He added that relying on a decibel standard would put a lot of burden on enforcement just as it currently does. He indicated that he thinks a better enforcement environment would be created if there is some area that is a little different than right in the Core Area. Commissioner Blank inquired if this is defined as a single event noise. He indicated that he liked the measurement and questioned if a 50 dBA for an hour goes up to above 60dBA for one second would be a violation. Mr. Dolan replied that it would be over a period of time. He added that in the real world, when the noise level is being measured to find out whether or not there is an issue, one second would not do anything. Chair Pentin commented that it would have to be a sustained peak at some point. Mr. Dolan replied that was correct. Commissioner Blank recommended that it may or may not be appropriate to consider additional specificity exceeding this noise level for 10 percent or 15 percent of the measurement period or some way of quantifying it so that it is clear. He added that "Transition Area" is a false name because if there are edges, the sound level would be fine one foot on this side of the edge but a violation one foot away on the opposite side, and yet the sound is going to be the same perceived sound. Commissioner O'Connor inquired if enforcement would be triggered on a complaint basis or if this will be done proactively. He further inquired if the Police Officer who shows up would know where the Core Area ends and where the Transition Area starts. Mr. Dolan replied that right now, enforcement is complaint- driven. With respect to the boundaries of the Core and Transition Areas, he stated that the Police Officers will have to be educated as to what the outcome is. Commissioner O'Connor commented that if this becomes successful enough and the Downtown becomes viable with lots of entertainment, a higher presence of law enforcement down there might be expected because without close monitoring, more vitality usually generates more trouble. He indicated that he would hope enforcement would be more proactive with that presence than just relying on complaints. Commissioner Pearce inquired if the reference to the decibel level simply applies to music and entertainment or if it is all inclusive. She noted that shouting or large parties can also generate loud noise. PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES, September 12, 2012 Page 8 of 35