The Scottsdale City Council is in the throes of a debate over the city's nightlife, as they consider implementing a noise cap targeted at bars and clubs in the bustling Old Town district. According to AZFamily, the council is responding to complaints from residents who say the music and revelry are shaking their windows and emitting noise up to a mile and a half away.
As it stands, current regulations fail to impose a noise limit on commercial areas, such as Old Town, leaving police officers with the challenging task of judging what constitutes "unreasonable" noise. During a recent council meeting, the assistant city manager presented updates to the ordinance, in place since 2010, that would make way for specific noise caps, especially accounting for bass sounds, and sturdier enforcement measures. Sonnie Kirtley, of the Coalition of Greater Scottsdale, insists, "We have more bars, we have more outside events at the bars, we have more street closures, and no noise control," as reported by the AZ Family.
While the proposed changes aim to establish a balance between residential tranquility and economic vitality spurred by nightlife, local business owners are calling for compromise. Steve McDonald, the proprietor of Social Tap in Old Town, argues that the vibrant nightlife is essential for the community's economy and ambiance. "Can’t live here and think there isn’t going to be louder music, party bikes, everyone is here to have a good time, and its good for community," McDonald told AZFamily.
Further compounding the issue, during a presentation at a city council meeting titled "Special Noise Violation Ordinance," Assistant City Manager Brent Stockwell revealed, "police have not written a single noise ordinance violation citation." This revelation comes from Scottsdale Independent, which reported that the police's hands are tied due to current laws concerning noise pollution enforcement. As of now, officers must be within 100 feet of the noise source in a residential zone to issue citations – a stipulation that doesn't extend to commercial areas like Old Town.
Council members are seeking community feedback on the updated ordinance before making any final decisions, slated for July. For those looking to add their voice to the din of debate, public comment will be accepted, though limited to five speakers during the noise work study session, as per Stockwell's comments to Scottsdale Independent.
