People want Raleigh’s proposed noise ordinance to factor in more than just sound

RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) — As the public weighed in on a controversial noise ordinance in Raleigh there are lingering concerns from one Raleigh neighborhood. They want the proposal that is up for a vote to consider other factors like topography.

“It is beautiful. It is quiet, it is spacious. We have tons of trees around, and we have a really lovely neighborhood,” said Lauren Markley.

She told Eyewitness News what she loved about living in the Belvedere Park Woodcrest neighborhood for more than a decade. Last year, that changed.

Markley says that music is from outdoor concerts at Bowstring Brew Yard on Wake Forest Avenue. The noise carries over across a creek and Capital Boulevard and Atlantic Avenue.

“It really feels like someone is standing there with a radio and it’s not just a thumping bass. We can hear the vocalist on stage, we can hear lyrics we can hear people talking every once in a while,” said Markley.

There could be some relief, a new noise ordinance is being proposed that takes decibels into consideration.

Under the proposed ordinance, businesses outside of Glenwood South, like Bowstring, would have to apply for a permit to be able to host louder events.

The owner of Bowstring Brew Yard spoke at the city’s most recent meeting.

“It just became sort too subjective. We kind of need an objective standard,” said Matthew Goldman.

The new plan will use a decibel based system to determine if a business is too loud. The proposal would set decibel limits depending on time and day of the week, as well as location in the city.

“I think we have struck a right balance,” said Raleigh Mayor Janet Cowell. The proposal incudes hiring and training staff to monitor the noise.

“Let’s have dedicated administrative staff actually doing this noise reading. I think we’re going to get it right. This is a growing city. We have to get more sophisticated, and I think this next ordinance is going to work,” said Cowell.

In the proposal, non-Glenwood South businesses would have to apply for a permit which would allow a maximum decibel readings during certain hours. Markley wants the city to consider specific neighborhood issues, before voting on the ordinance at the next meeting.

“Compliance is very different from actually protecting the peace and quiet that we have here and really helping neighborhoods out. We also really need some sort of a distance regulation, and that is what we are hoping to get,” said Markley.