STUART, Fla. — The city of Stuart has decided not to turn down the volume for now when it comes to the city’s existing noise ordinance.
Monday, the city commission met to discuss the current code.
“I appreciate the fact that that we can be heard and music can be heard too," said resident Janet Church.
WATCH: Stuart residents gather to discuss the city's existing noise ordiance
Before the meeting, a large group of music lovers, musicians, and music venue owners met outside City Hall. They’re concerned that changes to the existing city noise ordinance could impact their livelihood.
We spoke with one music venue owner who says he tries to be a good neighbor.
"We’re allowed to play until 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday nights, but we cut it short to 10 o’clock," Jim Leary of Philly Down South said. "We’ve raised the speakers in the ceiling to try and contain the music inside the tiki hut."
Stuart
Music artists concerned as commissioners review noise ordinance
During the meeting, staff members delivered a brief presentation and went over rules in certain music venues.
“Overall, the direction that the city has had, was that this area was in fact intended to be an arts and entertainment district," said city manager Michael Mortell.
Right now, noise levels are capped at 80 decibels between 8 am and 10 pm, and at 60 decibels from 10 pm to 8 am.
Few residents spoke against the ordinance, calling for more regulations.
“It comes down strictly to Terra Fermata, which has been consistently pushing the envelope with louder and louder events, bigger events, more people," Robert Steinberg said. “This is just an ongoing problem that hopefully we can resolve."
Sixty decibels is a normal conversation, and 80 decibels is the sound from an average vacuum cleaner.
While there was no vote made on Monday, city staff said they don't plan to push for further changes.
