Sacramento Urgently Seeks Public Input on Sound Management Update

UPDATE: The City of Sacramento is urgently calling for public feedback on its draft Community Sound Management Framework, aimed at overhauling the city’s entertainment sound policies. This initiative, developed in collaboration with Sound Music Cities, seeks to balance the needs of residents with the vibrancy of local cultural activities.

Residents and businesses can voice their opinions during community meetings scheduled for December 8, 9, and 10. This is a crucial opportunity for stakeholders to influence how sound from entertainment venues is managed in the city. The framework’s recommendations are designed to address public concerns and enhance the quality of life for Sacramento residents.

According to Don Pitts, president of Sound Music Cities, the framework is a direct response to community feedback, which included over 1,100 survey responses and insights from the Sacramento Music Census. The draft plan proposes significant changes to current sound management practices, including the integration of Sound Impact Plans into event permits and the appointment of a dedicated official to ensure consistent enforcement across city departments.

Megan Van Voorhis, director of Convention and Cultural Services, emphasized the framework’s dual goal: enhancing the city’s creative landscape while protecting residents from noise disturbances. Key strategies include improved communication regarding sound management, stricter enforcement of source-based sound measurements, and expanded management of low-frequency sounds to reduce bass-related complaints.

The city is committed to incorporating community input into the final framework, which is set for adoption in 2026. Dustin Hollingsworth, assistant director of Convention and Cultural Services, stated, “Community feedback is essential for shaping policies that reflect the needs and desires of Sacramento’s diverse population.”

For more details, the full draft of the Community Sound Management Framework, along with related documents, is accessible on the City’s official website. This is your chance to make your voice heard in shaping the future of sound management in Sacramento—don’t miss it!

Stay tuned for updates as this critical initiative develops.