DEADWOOD, S.D. (AP) - A western South Dakota city is amending its noise ordinance after residents raised concerns about music levels.
Deadwood officials approved Monday the first reading of an amended ordinance that sets decibel readings and boundaries for noise enforcement, the Black Hills Pioneer reported. The measure establishes acceptable decibel levels for a residential area to 60 from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. and 70 in the business zone at all times.
Live music or entertainment in the commercial area that doesn’t exceed 80 decibel will be exempt.
“If you have speakers on the outside of your building, you need a permit, but if it’s live music, no permit is required,” said Kevin Kuchenbecker, Deadwood’s historic preservation officer. “It just can’t be above 80 decibels at the complainant’s property line.”
The police department will investigate and issue citations for violations. The ordinance changes set violations punishable by up to 30 days in jail or a $500 fine. A city permit could be revoked for three or more violations in a year.
The amendments follow complaints last month from members of the business district over the varying levels of music on Main Street.
Commissioner Sharon Martinisko called the change “a starting point.”
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Information from: Black Hills Pioneer, http://www.bhpioneer.com
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