The Norman City Council unanimously approved the placement on a measure to revise the city's noise ordinance on next Tuesday's agenda for final consideration at Tuesday's City Council meeting.

If passed, the revision would amend exemptions, permit requirements and restrictions for noise control.

Richard Stawicki, Ward 2 councilman, said that he expects the revised version of the ordinance to be passed and that he has not heard any council members speak out against the revision yet.

"One of the major changes we're making is the ability of the city staff to set noise and time guidelines for events," Stawicki said.

"Primarily, the idea is if (the police) get called out on a noise complaint, they will go to them and ask them to turn it down," Stawicki said. "If they have to keep coming back, then they'll shut it down."

Stawicki also said louder noise levels than usual was the reason police shut down this year's Midway Jam and next year police will be monitoring noise levels at the event.

The revised draft, proposed by city attorney Jeff Raley, would change provisions for locomotives, school events and emergency equipment as well as limiting permits for events to four consecutive days and seven permits per year based upon location and premises.

Also, the draft states that noise produced by recreational or entertainment activities without a permit at the 75-decibel level from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. may have a maximum duration of six hours. From 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. the ordinance states that non-sanctioned sounds above 55 decibels are unlawful.

During the council's Nov. 19 study session of the ordinance, however, Mayor Ron Henderson expressed doubt that the time restrictions in the draft were viable to apply to places where events may last later than 11 p.m.

Doug Cubberley, Ward 7 councilman, said though an event coordinator might have a noise permit, they must still remember to stay within the guidelines of the law.

"I think as for the people who organize events, they need to know that when they put on an event they need to be within the limits set by the city," Cubberley said. "Hopefully, this (ordinance) will provide a mechanism for these events to occur and prosper."
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