Mandan Residents Will Decide on Initiated Noise Ordinance During Nov. 2, 2010, Election
ByResidents will determine during the Nov. 2 general election if they want a citywide noise ordinance for Mandan. Following is language that will appear on the ballot:
An initiated ordinance for the City of Mandan relating to the regulation of noise.
Shall an initiated ordinance relating to the regulation of loud, unnecessary, unnatural or unusual noises which are prolonged, unusual or unnatural and are a detriment to public health, comfort and welfare of the city inhabitants be adopted?
Yes – Means you approve the initiated ordinance as summarized above.
No – Means you reject the initiated ordinance as summarized above.
Citizens Charles Gerhardt, Richard Haman and Connie Haman initiated the proposed ordinance by gathering 475 signatures to get the measure on the ballot. After 77 signatures were removed for addresses outside of city limits, incomplete dates, duplicates, or lack of a qualified elector signature affixed to the petition, the balance of 398 exceeded the 341 valid signatures needed.
The proposed ordinance is similar to regulations in Bismarck, but provides exceptions for Buggies-n-Blues, July 4 events, the racetrack, bandshell concerts in the park and use of fireworks set by the city. It gives the chief of police authority to grant other exemptions such as if conditions warrant allowing additional time for an applicant to modify its operations or for temporary activities.
The proposed ordinance provides for different sound limits according to industrial, commercial and residential zoning.
• Residential zones would allow up to 55 decibels of noise from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. and 50 decibels after 11 p.m.
• Commercial noise would peak at 65 decibels during the day and 60 decibels after 11 p.m.
• Industrial noise would cap at 80 decibels during the day and 75 decibels at night.
Offenders would face a maximum fine of $500.
Download the complete proposed ordinance at www.cityofmandan.com in the New section. It is also available upon request at City Hall.
This will certainly be an interesting rule to uphold, should they decide to pass it. Considering normal human conversation is 60-70 dB. And should it pass, let’s say goodbye to all outdoor music at bars in Mandan. stupid stupid stupid.