Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

No noise is good noise

Prescott will be much quieter, with the exception of trains, soon.

This is because the Prescott City Council, in its regular monthly meeting Monday, Aug. 15, adopted a noise abatement ordinance.

Notice this is a noise abatement ordinance and not simply an ordinance dealing with loud music.

City attorney Glenn Vasser told the Council this is a lengthy ordinance (six pages). He used Hopes noise ordinance as a model but made some changes to deal with situations occurring in Prescott and to help make the new law clearer to the people.

Additionally, the Prescott Police Department has two decibel meters so officers can check the noise level at any given time in any given area. The new law also carries a fine up to $500 per offense.

There was no debate once the ordinance had been read before the Council adopted it. One of the reasons for the noise abatement ordinance was because of the lack of respect some residents show toward others when it comes to the music in their vehicles. It had been pointed out in prior meetings the music from some vehicles was loud enough to disrupt a church service.

Under the ordinance any sound, not just music, coming from a vehicle clearly audible for 30 or more feet is against the law, regardless if the vehicle is on a public street, a parking lot or in a private driveway.

The new law defines sound amplification system as any radio, tape player, compact disc player, loudspeaker or other electronic device used to amplify sound.

Again, the ordinance doesnt just cover loud music. It also includes yelling, shouting, hooting, whistling or singing on public streets, particularly between the hours of 10:30 p.m. and 7 a.m., or at any time when it would annoy or disturb the comfort or repose of someone in a hospital, dwelling, hotel or other type of residence  or anyone in the vicinity.

There are some exceptions to the new law. It doesnt apply to sound trucks properly licensed in connection with political rallies, or the loudspeakers used at athletic events.

Other exclusions to the ordinance include:

1. A system being used to request the assistance of an ambulance or to warn of a hazardous road condition;

2. Emergency or public safety vehicles;

3. If the vehicle is owned by a public utility company, including the city; or

4. If the system or vehicle is being used in an event such as a parade, sporting event, musical production which has been approved by the Board.

Loud noises are permitted to warn others of an emergency situation; during emergency work; for aircraft; if they are for religious worship; or if they are a fire, burglar or civil defense alarm.

Prescott Mayor Howard Taylor said there may come a time when this ordinance needs to be amended.