How the Christmas Faerie tried to give a present to each and every one.

Where do we begin? Do you remember the big noise controversy caused by the Healdsburg Bar and Grill's super amplified outdoor music back in the summer of 2001? Well that resulted in complaints from all over town. The most vocal complaints came from The Hotel Healdsburg staff and owners. The result was a Planning commission meeting on September 6, 2001 to discuss a "90 Day Permit", and determine what kind of ordinance the city should develop to control this "noise". Mr. John Holt, developer and part owner of the Hotel suggested the city adopt the City of Mill Valley's noise ordinance. This is where our story begins. Read the minutes of that famous meeting here. 

For the past decade people have become very disturbed by the uncontrolled noise and dust pollution created by Syar Industries Sand and Gravel plant on Healdsburg Avenue. They operate six days a week, 16 hours a day, from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Frequent public requests to reduce the noise and dust were ignored. A group of residents met to form the END organization, determined to improve our quality of life and End Noise and Dust pollution. In September 2001 a citizens petition to stop the noise and dust pollution was signed by over 200 residents and presented to the City Council.

In response, the City Council held a series of public meetings with Syar management who promised to start a program of noise and dust abatement. After several meetings it was apparent that Syar was simply stalling. Because the existing Healdsburg noise ordinances are outdated, disorganized, and frequently irrational, the City Council agreed to develop a new noise ordinance that would limit noise pollution in Healdsburg and provide for the safety and well being of our citizens.

On June 3, 2002, the City Council authorized the Planning Department to engage a noise consultant to assist them. On July 31 the first public meeting was held to gather input for the process. Six months later we finally have a DRAFT Noise Ordinance.

The November 5 DRAFT ended up being basically a copy of the City of Mill Valley noise ordinance. If left alone, the Mill Valley version would probably have worked in Healdsburg as written. Unfortunately it was altered and weakened with exemptions, exceptions and variances and we are very disappointed in the results. The November 5 DRAFT is not acceptable as written. Healdsburg deserves better. Sure people recognize "Politics" plays a part in the process, but not when it comes at the price of protecting the public. We expect minimum standards that meet or exceed international standards such as the World Health Organization Community Guidelines for Noise.

The goal of a new noise ordinance is not to forbid noise generating activity in Healdsburg or curtail businesses or commercial activity, but to set limits, and make those creating the noise responsible to the surrounding community! Noise pollution affects our health and well-being.

IF YOU MAKE NOISE - YOU ARE ACCOUNTABLE TO THE SURROUNDING COMMUNITY

Good Government Practices require public bodies to provide a rationale for proposed regulations, including a reasoned explanation of why certain elements were included or excluded, and justifications for reducing public safety or welfare with weakened environmental regulations or enforcement procedures.

ourHealdsburg.com REVIEW SUMMARY

of November 5 DRAFT HEALDSBURG NOISE Ordinance

The END Group of concerned citizens has carefully reviewed the Nov. 5 DRAFT Noise Ordinance. Although there are many parts of the DRAFT that must be corrected, we recommend the following basic changes to protect Healdsburg residents from harmful exposure to excessive noise. Read the detailed REVIEW with commentary, and suggested revisions to the DRAFT here.

1. For health and safety of Healdsburg citizens we should follow the World Health Organization’s Community Noise guidelines. Noise limits for residential areas should not exceed 50 Decibels daytime, and 45 nighttime, not 60 and 55 as proposed in the DRAFT.

Keep in mind, the noise measurement scale is logarithmic, 60 Decibels is twice as loud as 50!

2. All noise frequencies (both A and C weighted noise scales) should be measured to enforce the ordinance.

Other noise factors such as pure tones and impulsive noise should also be regulated. What does this mean?

• Noise scales.  While the "A" scale emphasizes higher frequencies, the "C" scale also measures the very low frequencies below 1000 Hertz (cycles per second).  Take for example a "low-rider" hot rod car with an amplified sound system. The major noise component you hear are the low frequencies. If you want to regulate noise, you must measure those low frequencies.

• Pure tones are noises such as whines or hums that might be created by motors or a belt driven piece of machinery. The sounds may be just under the noise limits, but are exceedingly annoying to the average person.

• Impulsive noise is a loud but very short duration noise such as a pile driver or a firecracker. Each impulsive noise may exceed the high noise limit for a second, but when averaged over six minutes of relatively quiet the average noise would not exceed the high limit! (The enforcement procedure specifies a violation only when the noise exceeds the limit 10% of time).

3. High noise limit hours should be universal, Mon. through Fri. 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

• Commercial, Industrial, and Construction noise producing activities should only be permitted Monday through Friday 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

• Home owner/occupant activities such as yard maintenance or home improvement/construction allowed Mon. – Sat. 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

4. Amplified Sound should regulated and permitted only for very limited activities such as Friday night High School Football, FFA Carnival and Fair, and a limited set of Healdsburg Plaza events, or the annual street dance with valid permits. All amplified noise should have reasonable noise limits that are measured at the nearest residential property line.

5. All noise related regulations in the Healdsburg Municipal Code should be reviewed and corrected and coordinated as part of this noise ordinance process. Many illogical and irrational noise regulations exist that affect the public such as those for Home occupations, bed and breakfast or visitor lodging, and alcoholic beverage establishments.

As written the proposed ordinance fails “to protect the residents of Healdsburg from the harmful effects of exposure to excessive noise” and fails “To retain and enhance the quiet residential atmosphere within the City.” as required by the Healdsburg General Plan.

Good Government Practices require public bodies to provide a rationale for proposed regulations, including a reasoned explanation of why certain elements were included or excluded, and justifications for reducing public safety or welfare with weakened environmental regulations or enforcement procedures.

The public review meeting for the Nov. 5 DRAFT Ordinance is January 13, 2003 7 p.m. at City Hall. BE THERE!

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