Kansas City noise ordinance is delayed so nightclubs can learn new rules

Kansas City’s nightclubs need help and more information to comply with the city’s proposed new noise ordinance, Westport business advocate Bill Nigro said Wednesday.

Nigro said the new noise rules would affect any establishment that has an outside deck and the Health Department should meet with the Kansas City Restaurant Association to explain the allowed noise levels.

The City Council’s neighborhoods and housing committee agreed to postpone a decision on the new ordinance at least until the next committee meeting next Wednesday. The full council would have the final say.

Assistant City Attorney Joseph Guarino told the committee that the council must soon pass a new noise law to conform to the city’s new zoning laws. But the proposal also tries to deal with growing conflicts between residents and nearby bars and nightclubs in busy, noisy entertainment districts.

It would establish limits and more precise sound measurements for music that may spread past a bar’s property and disturb nearby residents.

Bert Malone, the city’s deputy health director, said the vast majority of conflicts are resolved by warning and mediation, but violations under the new ordinance could result in fines up to $1,000.

Several people urged the committee Wednesday to deal with equally infuriating situations involving constantly barking dogs or roaring motorcycles that blast past buildings in the middle of the night. Malone said the vehicles are tough to ticket because it’s hard to get a noise reading.

Committee members agreed that barking dogs are among the most frequent complaints they get. They said they want to hear from animal control on better ways to address those situations.

This story was originally published April 22, 2015 at 3:16 PM with the headline "Kansas City noise ordinance is delayed so nightclubs can learn new rules."