SoWal Noise Ordinance

[Kurt]

BCC to review noise ordinance | bcc, noise, ordinance - Local News - WaltonSun.com

"All noise ordinances are difficult enforce," said Walton County attorney Mike Burke. "Having two noise ordinances makes enforcement that much more challenging." Following the Jan. 14 meeting in DeFuniak Springs, where several government leaders, county commissioners and residents met to debate problems with noise complaints in South Walton, the county attorney made request of the Board of County Commissioners at the regular BCC meeting March 24 to review the two county noise ordinances.
Currently two separate noise ordinances are in place for Walton County, the Grayton Beach Noise Ordinance and the South of the Bay noise ordinance.
"I'd like the board to consider adopting a county-wide ordinance," said Burke.
The South of the Bay ordinance involves enforcement difficulties, according to the county attorney's office, with noise measurements requiring sound level meters, calibrations and certified operators. Burke also commented the South of the Bay ordinance is costly to enforce.
Commissioners acknowledged Burkes comments.
"I'd like the board to consider adopting the Grayton Beach noise ordinance county-wide," said Burke.
The Grayton Beach ordinance states that the noise infraction must be "plainly audible" from a distance of no less than 100 feet and within the normal hearing faculties of the designated enforcement official.
"In my district I get complaints all the time," said Commissioner Sara Comander. "I believe the board should move forward with this."
The BCC agreed and Burke will draft a new county-wide ordinance and a public hearing will be scheduled.

 

[Smiling JOe]

If that passes County-wide, no farmer could legally operate a tractor near the edge of his property. Few industrial employers could operate on Industrial-zoned property, I'm also thinking that the sound of construction may be illegal. Maybe I'm missing some key rules, but on the surface, that sounds like a terrible idea. Maybe that simple language of the Grayton ordinance, allows easier enforcement, which might be good for business owners and enforcement agencies. As it stands with the current Code, a business would need to purchase their own meter to see if they were in violation at any moment, and that is just a PITA.

 

[Susan Horn]

If that passes County-wide, no farmer could legally operate a tractor near the edge of his property. Few industrial employers could operate on Industrial-zoned property, I'm also thinking that the sound of construction may be illegal. Maybe I'm missing some key rules, but on the surface, that sounds like a terrible idea. Maybe that simple language of the Grayton ordinance, allows easier enforcement, which might be good for business owners and enforcement agencies. As it stands with the current Code, a business would need to purchase their own meter to see if they were in violation at any moment, and that is just a PITA.

You're right, it's really tricky. FWIW, Walton County CE is complaint-driven, and while that's not IMHO always a great way to operate, in this case it would mean that at least there wouldn't be CE officers patrolling the county with GPS (for locating property lines) and sound meters.

 

[woodworker]

If that passes County-wide, no farmer could legally operate a tractor near the edge of his property. Few industrial employers could operate on Industrial-zoned property, I'm also thinking that the sound of construction may be illegal. Maybe I'm missing some key rules, but on the surface, that sounds like a terrible idea. Maybe that simple language of the Grayton ordinance, allows easier enforcement, which might be good for business owners and enforcement agencies. As it stands with the current Code, a business would need to purchase their own meter to see if they were in violation at any moment, and that is just a PITA.

Who needs industry & farmers when we have China & South America?

 

[scooterbug44]

I've yet to hear of the noise ordinance being enforced or a complaint being filed where I found it reasonable.

All this seems to do is give whiners more ammo and make it harder for local businesses to operate.

People come here for the beaches, but they also come for all the venues w/ live music, great restaurants, outdoor concerts, destination weddings etc.

Sowal is a community, not a retirement community where everyone goes to bed at 9 pm.

 

[Andy A]

I've yet to hear of the noise ordinance being enforced or a complaint being filed where I found it reasonable.

All this seems to do is give whiners more ammo and make it harder for local businesses to operate.

People come here for the beaches, but they also come for all the venues w/ live music, great restaurants, outdoor concerts, destination weddings etc.

Sowal is a community, not a retirement community where everyone goes to bed at 9 pm.

I am not arguing but "different strokes for different folks"

 

[scooterbug44]

That's why they allow you to select your home instead of assigning you one - so you can choose according to your likes and dislikes.

IMO most noise ordinance complaints are like people who buy next to an airport and then complain about planes making noise. :roll:

And earplugs are like $2.50 for 15 pairs at Publix.

 

[Andy A]

How could anyone call the Jazz fest music NOISE!!!They should be so lucky to hear it for free

The movement of the jazz fest to Pier Park is definitely a determent to the 30A area. Considering the level of the talent being attracted to it, the loss of financial gain and the prestige of having it in Walton County will be recognized by many at some point in the future. Pushing to have it moved was extremely short sighted to say the least.

 

[Smiling JOe]

Interesting that this idea of a County-wide noise ordinance comes about near the anniversary of last year's complaint of noise from the Seabreeze Jazz Festival.

 

[John R]

Adopting the Grayton way is a bad idea, imo. SPL (sound pressure level) and decibels are quantifiable and should be the basis for any complaint filed. The fact that professional measurement devices were issued and not being utilized is the county's problem and the tools that were purchased should be being used. That effectively puts the burden of proof on county and the complainant, not the potential noisemaker. Walton continues to try to reinvent the wheel when they should just research what other counties within the state do.

Radar is being used for speeding throughout the country, adopting the Grayton way, is the same as a LEO pacing someone to determine their speed.