The City of Sacramento is actively seeking feedback from residents and local businesses regarding a new initiative aimed at modernizing entertainment sound policies. This initiative, known as the Community Sound Management Framework, is designed to update how sound from entertainment venues is managed across the city.
The framework was developed by Sound Music Cities based on extensive public input, including over 1,100 survey responses and insights gathered from the Sacramento Music Census and a detailed sound study. Don Pitts, president of Sound Music Cities, emphasized in a recent press release that the community has shown significant interest in revising current sound management practices.
Framework Highlights and Community Engagement
The drafted framework proposes several strategies to enhance sound management in Sacramento. Key recommendations include the integration of Sound Impact Plans with existing permits and the appointment of a dedicated official to ensure consistency across various city departments. These adjustments aim to improve communication efforts, enforce source-based sound measurement, and manage low-frequency sounds more effectively to mitigate bass-related complaints.
Megan Van Voorhis, director of Convention and Cultural Services, outlined the framework’s primary goal: to balance residents’ quality of life with the vibrancy of the city’s creative activities. The City plans to hold a series of community meetings on December 8, 9, and 10, 2023, providing a platform for residents, venue owners, and event organizers to share their insights on the new sound management framework.
Dustin Hollingsworth, assistant director of Convention and Cultural Services, highlighted that the feedback collected during these meetings will be instrumental in guiding the framework’s adoption, which is slated for 2026.
All relevant documents, including the full Community Sound Management Framework, the Sacramento Music Census, and the sound policy review, are accessible on the City’s official website.
In this evolving discussion, Sacramento aims to create a sound management system that not only addresses the needs of the community but also fosters a thriving entertainment scene. The upcoming meetings are a vital opportunity for stakeholders to influence how sound is managed, ensuring that the interests of both residents and the entertainment industry are taken into account.
