The City of Sacramento is seeking input from residents and local businesses on the new Community Sound Management Framework, an initiative to update how entertainment sound is managed in the city. According to Sacramento City Express, the plan was developed by Sound Music Cities with input from the public, including more than 1,100 survey responses, as well as insights from the Sacramento Music Census and a comprehensive sound study.
Don Pitts, president of Sound Music Cities, stated in a press release that the community has expressed interest in changes to how entertainment-related sound is managed. The drafted framework includes strategies such as integrating Sound Impact Plans with permits and designating an official to ensure consistency across city departments.
The recommended framework is set to bring several adjustments to the city's current sound management protocols. These include communication efforts, enforcement of source-based sound measurement, and extended management of low-frequency sounds to reduce bass complaints. Megan Van Voorhis, director of Convention and Cultural Services, discussed the framework's goal of balancing residents’ quality of life with the city's creative activities.
The City will hold community meetings on December 8, 9, and 10 for residents, venue owners, and event organizers to provide feedback on the new sound management framework. Dustin Hollingsworth, assistant director of Convention and Cultural Services, said the input will help guide the framework’s adoption in 2026.
All documents, including the full Community Sound Management Framework, the Sacramento Music Census, and the sound policy review, are available on the City’s website.
