HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 04 Noise Ordinance
AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY Meeting Date: 6/21/2021
Meeting Type: Regular Meeting
Staff Contact/Dept.: Mary Bridget
Smith/CAO
Staff Phone No: 541-744-4061
Estimated Time: Consent Calendar
S P R I N G F I E L D
C I T Y C O U N C I L
Council Goals: Mandate
ITEM TITLE: AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SPRINGFIELD MUNICIPAL CODE SECTION
5.220, NOISE
ACTION
REQUESTED:
Conduct second reading of the following ordinance: AN ORDINANCE
AMENDING SPRINGFIELD MUNICIPAL CODE SECTION 5.220, NOISE
ISSUE
STATEMENT:
This action amends the City’s noise ordinance to formally delegate the issuance of
special noise permits to the City Manager or designee.
ATTACHMENTS: Attachment 1: Ordinance
DISCUSSION/
FINANCIAL
IMPACT:
A public hearing and first reading on the proposed Ordinance was held on June 7,
2021.
Like many other cities, the City of Springfield regulates the adverse impact of noise
through its noise ordinance and SMC 5.220. The City does allow for special noise
permits in certain circumstances. For example, Willamalane may ask applicants
who rent their outdoor shelters to obtain a noise permit from the City as part of their
application process and, from time to time, an individual or organization will ask to
broadcast programs of music, speeches, or general entertainment. Special noise
permits are not intended for private gatherings. This proposed change formally
delegates to the City Manager the ability to issue the special noise permit instead of
an applicant appearing before the City Council. The benefit to this proposed change
is that it is more efficient for the applicant and City to process these requests
administratively. The process does allow for appeals to the City Council.
Currently, the police department processes the majority of the special noise permits.
That is a benefit to the department so they are aware of events and can more
effectively deal with any potential complaints. On occasion, Development & Public
Works will handle a special noise permit if a private contractor requests to perform
construction outside of typical hours.
PAGE 1 of 1
CITY OF SPRINGFIELD, OREGON
ORDINANCE NO. ___________ (GENERAL)
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SPRINGFIELD MUNICIPAL CODE SECTION 5.220 NOISE
WHEREAS, loud and raucous noise degrades the environment of the City to a degree that is harmful
to the health, welfare and safety of its inhabitants and visitors; interferes with the comfortable
enjoyment of life and property; interferes with the wellbeing, tranquility and privacy of the home; or
causes and aggravates health problems;
WHEREAS, the use of sound amplification equipment creates loud and raucous noise that may, in a
particular manner and at a particular time and place, substantially and unreasonably invade the
privacy, peace and freedom of inhabitants of, and visitors to, the City;
WHEREAS, the City Council has an interest in regulating certain instances of sound amplification in a
manner that will not unreasonably invade the privacy, peace, and freedom of inhabitants of and visitors
to the City; and
WHEREAS, this ordinance amends the City’s existing noise regulations in section 5.220 of the
Springfield Municipal Code, to formally delegate the issuance of special noise permits to the City
Manager or designee,
NOW, THEREFORE, THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SPRINGFIELD ORDAINS AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. Section 5.220 of the Springfield Municipal Code is amended as provided in
Exhibit A.
Section 2. Severability Clause. If any section, subsection, sentence, clause, phrase or
portion of this Ordinance is, for any reason, held invalid or unconstitutional by a court of competent
jurisdiction, such portion shall be deemed a separate, distinct and independent provision and such
holding shall not affect the validity of the remaining portion hereof.
ADOPTED by the Common Council of the City of Springfield this ___ day of _________, 2021,
by a vote of _____ for and ____ against.
APPROVED by the Mayor of the City of Springfield this ______ day of __________, 2021.
_______________________
Mayor
ATTEST:
__________________________
City Recorder
Attachment 1, Page 1 of 1