Dallas needs to clarify its rules on how much noise is acceptable in Deep Ellum, according to a new report released Thursday.
That’s one of a few new recommendations in response to hundreds of noise complaints filed against businesses in the entertainment district last spring.
Dallas currently has two sets of rules on the issue: one that has decibel limits and another that bans noise “offensive to the ordinary sensibilities.” Business owners with music venues hit with complaints have said city code compliance officials tend to rely on the latter, leading to subjective enforcement.
More than 400 businesses pack Deep Ellum, which covers less than a square mile east of downtown. Deep Ellum should have a noise limit of 92 decibels that covers roughly Good Latimer Expressway to Walton Street, according to the report’s recommendations, and 72 decibels for the rest of the area east toward Main Street.
A running motorcycle engine is around 92 decibels and an active washing machine or dishwasher is close to 72 decibels, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Other recommendations to city rules include limiting the amount of music speakers pointed toward streets and sidewalks and designating specific areas where musicians can get in and out of venues. The report also calls for doing more to educate the public on the city’s noise rules.
The report was created by a task force including council member Jesse Moreno, who represents the area, as well as several Deep Ellum residents and business owners. Dallas’ Code Compliance Services Director Carl Simpson and other city code and police representatives were part of the group.
They spent five months surveying residents and venue owners and measuring noise in the area for the report.
“Noise is a problem in any busy neighborhood, but it’s a complex matter in our live/play areas,” Trey Carmichael, a Deep Ellum resident who is part of the task force said in a statement. “The standard ordinance was simply too broad for all stakeholders to be treated fairly.”
Along with music, vehicle traffic is also a big driver of the noise in the area.
The report found that the entertainment district can reach up to 70 decibels on a weekday. Decibel levels can get to the 90s on weekend nights, particularly between 10 p.m. and midnight.
Noise coming specifically from music and bars can top 110 decibels. The CDC said 100 decibels can be the equivalent of an approaching subway train.
The city allows for noise levels up to 70 decibels during the day and close to 60 at night.
The report said most businesses playing music louder than 63 decibels that could be heard from the front door were found in violation of the city’s noise rules. An air conditioner produces about 60 decibels, the CDC said.
The report will be submitted to council members for consideration. It’s not clear when they’ll start discussing the recommendations.
