Sound Solutions

Solutions for noise conflicts between music and residential uses

Noise conflicts between entertainment and residential uses are very common. This may seem like an impossible conflict with no solution but it doesn’t have to be this way! Cities can support both vibrant nightlife and entertainment and residential quality of life. But, it takes a proactive effort and a thoughtful and comprehensive approach to sound management for nightlife-related sound.

We can help you

Revise or update your sound ordinance in line with our principles
Create or enhance your compliance and enforcement program
Develop policies that address quality of life for residents
Build an approach to stakeholder education, dialogue and problem solving

Our Approach

We literally wrote the book on planning for entertainment-related sound. Our approach is based on this influential paper and our eight key principles for developing effective sound management solutions.

Nightlife, entertainment, arts, culture, and live music help make cities unique and authentic. They attract companies and tourism, celebrate local culture, and build community. They are often multi-billion-dollar economic impact engines for cities. However, thriving cities also need to maintain residential quality of life to ensure the nightlife industry is sustainable and that cities remain livable.

Most cities don’t have a strategy for managing nightlife and entertainment-related sound. Instead, they manage it the same way as noise from other sources, using ineffective approaches. There is a lack of proactive planning, sound ordinances that are often outdated, confusing, and written without any consideration for entertainment-related sound, and compliance and enforcement that isn’t responsive or effective.

Eight Key Principles for a Comprehensive & Effective Sound Management System

Sound Ordinance

Amplified sound is an integral part of nightlife and entertainment and includes sound to be managed, not noise to be eliminated
Proactive approach and system that is tailored for entertainment-related amplified sound
Customized sound level allowances for specific locations and contexts
Long-term predictability for all stakeholders

Beyond Sound Ordinances

5. Resources are invested and solutions are made available to nightlife and entertainment

establishments to support vibrancy while minimizing sound impact to surrounding area

6. The quality of life for nearby residents is anticipated and addressed

7. Ongoing stakeholder education that fosters relationships, dialogue, and problem solving is

facilitated

8. Dedicated and responsive compliance and enforcement with an emphasis on building

relationships and trust, solving problems, and seeking compliance