Colorado Springs petition aims to lower noise thresholds near homes

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) -- A Colorado Springs petition seeks to change how noise from entertainment and other facilities is measured near residential neighborhoods, according to documents filed with the Colorado Springs City Clerk.

Anita Miller, identified in the filing as the petition committee's representative, submitted the proposed ordinance to the City Clerk's Office on Aug. 14.

The City Clerk’s Title Board approved the language for the proposed petition on Aug. 21.

According to the proposed ordinance, the measure would prohibit hardship permits for facilities producing what the petition defines as “noise detrimental to the quiet enjoyment of property” when that noise affects a residentially zoned area.

The proposed definition would apply to noise from commercial, industrial or entertainment facilities, as well as temporary outdoor performance venues. Under the proposal, noise would meet that definition if it reached certain thresholds at or within the property boundary of a residentially zoned property.

For broad-spectrum noise, the proposed thresholds would be:

• An average noise level of 45 dBA or higher over 10 minutes, or
• A maximum noise level of 55 dBA or higher.

The proposal also establishes thresholds for low-frequency noise.

According to the petition, those would include:

• 60 dB at 16 Hz
• 55 dB at 31.5 Hz
• 50 dB at 63 Hz

The proposal also calls for a 63 Hz average of 50 dB or higher over a rolling five-minute period, or a maximum of 55 dB or higher at that frequency.

The proposed ordinance says compliance would be determined using a Class 1 sound-level meter compliant with ANSI S1.4 and an outdoor microphone windscreen.

Venues such as Ford Amphitheater currently use hardship permits. The venue operates under the following noise criteria:

• A maximum level of 110 dBA more than once during a five-minute period, or
• An average level of 105 dBA during a five-minute period.

For noise in one-third octave bands from 20 to 80 Hz:

• A maximum of 125 dB more than once during a five-minute period, or
• An average of 115 dBA during a five-minute period.

Under the proposal, a hardship permit could still be granted for a free entertainment event even if the noise meets the proposed definition of noise detrimental to the quiet enjoyment of property.

The petition committee must collect the required number of valid signatures before the initiative can potentially advance to the ballot. Until that process is complete and voters approve the measure, the proposed noise thresholds would not become new city law.

For now, the city has approved the initiative's title, allowing the petition process to move forward.

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