The City ordinance on Noise regulation was revised

[trymahjong]

I attended the Central 1 & 2  PIP meeting tonite---a full house! All to hear the about  "tweaking" of the noise ordinance--apparently a notice went out to all HPD officers of the improved ordinance, 4 new noise level devices were bought and special training for officers began.

A powerpoint presentation was made to PIP that detailed the new protocols.

.http://www.houstontx.gov/ordinancefeedback/mechnoisebuffer-constructioncode.pdf

Guess it all boiled down to decibels-

65 decibels for clubs/bars (This was the most talked about)

75 if you get a permit---------but permits are only good to 10pm weekdays 11pm weekends

 

Most of the attendees had horror stories about window shaking noise levels at 4am on Washington Ave, Gray street and Tuam.

 

 

[august948]

I attended the Central 1 & 2  PIP meeting tonite---a full house! All to hear the about  "tweaking" of the noise ordinance--apparently a notice went out to all HPD officers of the improved ordinance, 4 new noise level devices were bought and special training for officers began.

A powerpoint presentation was made to PIP that detailed the new protocols.

.http://www.houstontx.gov/ordinancefeedback/mechnoisebuffer-constructioncode.pdf

Guess it all boiled down to decibels-

65 decibels for clubs/bars (This was the most talked about)

75 if you get a permit---------but permits are only good to 10pm weekdays 11pm weekends

 

Most of the attendees had horror stories about window shaking noise levels at 4am on Washington Ave, Gray street and Tuam.

Are those limits at the door at a specified distance?

[trymahjong]

the distance wasn't specified-- mostly tho it seems to be measured in feet--

 

Those at the meeting were either across the street or had a property fence between them-- all seemed less than 2 blocks.

There was discussion of smart phone apps that will GPS the location and some apps will record--these are only good as part of the complaint filed by person-- the actual decibel has to be done by HPD-- when calling HPD in the person can request the meter be brought to the offending bar/club.

 

Edited May 8, 2013 by trymahjong

[august948]

the distance wasn't specified-- mostly tho it seems to be measured in feet--

 

Those at the meeting were either across the street or had a property fence between them-- all seemed less than 2 blocks.

There was discussion of smart phone apps that will GPS the location and some apps will record--these are only good as part of the complaint filed by person-- the actual decibel has to be done by HPD-- when calling HPD in the person can request the meter be brought to the offending bar/club.

I wonder if that would lead to the bar/club being cited as a public nuisance if the neighbors are constantly calling HPD down to take measurements? Does the city have the means to shut a bar down if it is deemed a nuisance?

[trymahjong]

I wonder if that would lead to the bar/club being cited as a public nuisance if the neighbors are constantly calling HPD down to take measurements? Does the city have the means to shut a bar down if it is deemed a nuisance?

 

The Central 1 Captain assured us He had the authority to shut down these bars but he added then what.

 

The new ordinance makes it an easier process of gathering evidence to go to trial and persuade a Judge to fine the bar into compliance--

 

There were instructions given on how to appeal a noise level permit any bar might obtain.

 

IMO

These ordinances will be easier to enforce when the off duty HPD working at these bars "come on board" and uphold the ordinance rather than supporting the bars that pay their off duty salary.

[trymahjong]

From District C newsletter:

Friends and neighbors,

Earlier this month the community-driven sound ordinance improvements that we fought for at City Hall have officially gone into effect. Even before coming into office, one of the top issues facing many along some of our District’s nightlife corridors was unbearable loud noise for residents in the area. Business is good for our city, and the majority of bar owners are terrific community partners. But to address those few “bad actor bars,” we’ve increased maximum fines, created a new permit for commercial establishments, and given more “teeth” for city enforcement.

Making meaningful changes to City ordinances takes time, patience, and everyone working together.  This team effort achievement was made possible through the hard work of residents and neighborhood leaders who worked tirelessly with my office. We wouldn’t be where we are today without Council Member Alcorn’s leadership on this and the support of Mayor Turner. By strengthening this ordinance, we’re also freeing up resources for law enforcement, which is another priority of mine.