HomeMy Public PortalAbout2019_09_10_R132 Initiating Amendments to the Town Code Extending Sound Amplifying Equipment Registration Past 8:00 p.m.The Town of
Leesburg,
Virginia
PRESENTED: September 10, 2019
RESOLUTION NO. 2019-132 ADOPTED: September 10, 2019
A RESOLUTION: INITIATING AMENDMENTS TO THE NOISE ORDINANCE TO
CONSIDER EXTENDING THE NIGHT TIME PERIOD FOR SOUND
AMPLIFYING EQUIPMENT
WHEREAS, the Town Council last amended its noise ordinance in 2009 to conform with
the Virginia Supreme Court decision of Tanner v. City of Virginia Beach, 277 Va. 432, 674
S.E.2d 848 (2009); and
WHEREAS, subsection 5 of the Town's noise ordinance located at Town Code § 24-182
(Declaration of Policy) ("Subsection 5") requires that a certificate of registration be issued by the
Town Manager before outside sound amplifying equipment is permitted within the Town; and
WHEREAS, Subsection 5 does not permit a certificate of registration to be issued for
hours of operation past 8:00 p.m.; and
WHEREAS, the Town Council last considered amending the Town's noise ordinance to
extend the night time period for sound amplifying equipment in 2014, and decided at that time to
retain the current noise ordinance; and
WHEREAS, since 2014, circumstances have changed in that the Town's night life has
increased, and the Town has received citizen and business owner requests to extend the night
time period for sound amplifying equipment; and
WHEREAS, many of the business establishments that desire an extended night time
period for sound amplifying equipment are located in the Town's downtown area; and
WHEREAS, the downtown area is also home to residential neighborhoods and homes
where residents desire to retain the peace and tranquility and "small-town feel" that appeals to
the many residents who live in these neighborhoods; and
A RESOLUTION: INITIATING AMENDMENTS TO THE NOISE ORDINANCE TO
CONSIDER EXTENDING THE NIGHT TIME PERIOD FOR SOUND
AMPLIFYING EQUIPMENT
WHEREAS, the Town Council desires to consider the impact of changed circumstances
on the respective needs and wishes of Town stakeholders including businesses, visitors, and
residents; and
WHEREAS, the Town Council desires to review the Town's noise ordinance, discuss the
implications of extending the night time period of sound amplifying equipment, and hold public
hearings to obtain public input for the purpose of considering whether to amend the noise
ordinance to extend the night time period for sound amplifying equipment.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Council of the Town of Leesburg in Virginia
that amendments to the Town's Noise Ordinance are hereby initiated so that the Town Council
may consider extending the night time period for sound amplifying equipment.
PASSED this 10th day of September, 2019.
ayor
eesburg
ATTEST:
Oa
Clerk of Council
LF\LeesburgRMS\Town_Clerk\Resolutions\2019\0910 Initiating Amendments to the Town Code Extending Sound Amplifying Equipment
Registration Past 8:00 p.m.