Council approves amendment to city’s noise ordinance

During its June 5 meeting, Waxahachie City Council unanimously approved an amendment to the city’s noise ordinance, section 20-1.

The city’s noise ordinance currently states it is “unlawful” for someone to make “any loud, unnecessary or unusual noise or any noise which either annoys, disturbs, injures or endangers the comfort, repose, health, peace or safety of others within the city.” The amendment includes an additional sentence pertaining to property owners.

“It shall further be unlawful for a person who owns, manages or controls a property to allow such property to be used in a manner that violates this section,” the city staff report reads.

Michael Scott, city manager, explained to the council that this amendment will allow the Waxahachie Police Department to better address noise complaints.

“Currently, as it relates to responding to noise nuisances, our PD really has but one option – that is to basically cite the offender, the perpetrator, of that offense,” Scott said. “In which case, we’ve had a number of incidents recently where there’s been kind of an uptick in repeat complaints at existing residences. This would give us the opportunity to actually enforce upon the property owner as well. I think it’s another tool in our toolbelt, and it will give discretion to the officers as to how to best bring about resolution to those nuisances. We think it’s just a small modification, but it will help us immensely as we enforce on noise complaints.”

Council members Patrick Souter and Chris Wright both expressed their support of the change.

“This will actually apply across the city in the event that there are those that are utilizing property or those that are leasing property to people who are utilizing it to disturb the peace,” Souter said. “It may not look like a big deal, but it actually protects everybody and their right to enjoy their residence without being unfairly limited as to that enjoyment.”

Originally published June 8, 2023 - https://www.waxahachiesun.com/business/council-approves-amendment-to-city-s-noise-ordinance/article_92416b74-065b-11ee-a948-2be7f10866df.html