PCB to target ‘unnecessary noise’
PANAMA CITY BEACH - After months of staff study and research, the City Council will begin formal consideration of a city noise ordinance when it meets today.
The draft ordinance provides for "the abatement of excessive and unnecessary noise" through the creation of a "maximum permissible noise level" for various residential and tourist areas in the city, according to a memorandum to the council from Assistant City Attorney Amy Ross.
This proposed maximum level in the various residential zonings ranges from 60 to 70 decibels during daytime hours (7 a.m. to 11 p.m.) and between 55 and 70 decibels during hours. The maximum allowed is 70 decibels during the day and night for business zonings and 80 decibels day and night for industrial areas. A normal conversation registers at about 60 decibels, and sounds more than 85 decibels can cause hearing loss.
The proposed ordinance would exempt a number of activities from the maximum sound level, including functioning air conditioners, non-amplified crowd noises, permitted construction operations (between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m.), safety signals and emergency work.
Enforcement of the ordinance would call for an initial oral warning to the person causing the noise, followed by a written warning requiring cessation of the sound within 15 minutes of its issuance. Anyone violating the noise ordinance would be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor, carrying a maximum fine of $500. Each day the violation continues would be considered a separate offense.
In a memorandum Monday to City Manager Richard Jackson, Ross wrote that because of strong interest in the proposed ordinance by residents and business owners alike, the city should consider holding a public workshop at its earliest opportunity on the ordinance and the technical issues of monitoring sound levels.
No formal action on the proposed ordinance is expected at today's council meeting, which begins at 6 p.m. at Council Chambers at City Hall, at 110 S. Arnold Road.
In other business, the council will hold a swearing-in ceremony for Mayor Gayle Oberst, Ward 2 Councilman Rick Russell and Ward 4 Councilman Ken Nelson, all of whom won four-year terms in the April 22 election.