The City of Sacramento is actively engaging residents and local businesses in the development of a new Community Sound Management Framework. This initiative aims to modernize the way entertainment sound is regulated within the city. According to a report from Sacramento City Express, the framework was created with considerable public input, drawing from over 1,100 survey responses, insights from the Sacramento Music Census, and a detailed sound study.
Don Pitts, president of Sound Music Cities, highlighted that community members have expressed a strong interest in revising the management of entertainment-related sound. The drafted framework proposes several strategies, including the integration of Sound Impact Plans with necessary permits and the appointment of an official to ensure consistent application across various city departments.
Framework Proposals and Community Engagement
The recommended adjustments to Sacramento’s existing sound management protocols encompass enhanced communication efforts and the enforcement of source-based sound measurement. Moreover, the framework aims to extend the management of low-frequency sounds, which is expected to address numerous complaints regarding bass levels.
Megan Van Voorhis, director of Convention and Cultural Services, spoke about the framework’s purpose: to strike a balance between the quality of life for residents and the vibrancy of the city’s creative scene. The city has scheduled community meetings on December 8, 9, and 10, 2023, providing a platform for residents, venue owners, and event organizers to share their feedback on the proposed sound management framework.
According to Dustin Hollingsworth, assistant director of Convention and Cultural Services, the input gathered during these meetings will play a critical role in shaping the framework, which is expected to be adopted in 2026. All relevant documents, including the complete Community Sound Management Framework, the Sacramento Music Census, and the sound policy review, are accessible on the City’s official website.
As Sacramento seeks to modernize its approach to entertainment sound management, the involvement of the community is deemed essential for creating a framework that aligns with the needs and desires of both residents and the local music scene. The outcome of this initiative could significantly influence the future of sound regulation in the city, fostering a harmonious environment for all stakeholders.
