Remember that new noise ordinance the city passed this summer?

At the time, we reported that music venues were annoyed about it, especially the part where Les Schwab got an exemption but no one else did. Then things got quiet.  

But after The Horned Hand got a $750 citation a few weeks back for violating the noise ordinance one minute after the 10 p.m. noise curfew, musicians and other music venue owners have gotten together to request changes to the new law.

The group has created a Facebook page under the title Bend Residents For A Sensible Noise Ordinance. There’s even a bumper sticker around these days to draw attention to the issue.

Two people testified to the Bend City Council last night that the new noise ordinance, which is chapter 5.50 of the city code*, is too strict.

“It is bringing an end to much of the local live music, especially on the westside,” said Jason Schweitzer, a Bend musician.  

At the meeting, Schweitzer and another local musician, Tim Coffey, both urged the council to consider raising the decibel levels allowed or grant standing approval for music venues such as Century Center and The Horned Hand to hold shows that exceed the decibel levels outlined in the noise ordinance.

As the ordinance currently stands, venues that expect to exceed the city's maximum daytime decibel levels must apply for a permit 45 days prior to a show and then five days before the show notify all residents within 500 feet about the show. People can object to the show and obstruct the permit granting process.

This is having a major chilling effect on live music in Bend, the two men argued.

Councilors said they would reconsider the ordinance and directed Bend Police Chief Jeff Sale to be sure that police officers were working with music venue owners prior to issuing citations.

Stay tuned to the Source for more on how the council will proceed with their review of the ordinance.

*The city’s code is a little challenging to review online. We recommend that you go to this search page on the city’s website and click on the first link to read the new ordinance.