There is a proposed amendment to the Austin city noise ordinance that is going to hurt if you have a stereo in your boat!

http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/council_meetings/item_attachments.cfm?meetingid=195&i...

This poorly written and ill-conceived law will make virtually any use of sound equipment on boats a ticket able offence. Music played at normal (NOT LOUD!) listening volume on boats will definitely still be audible 100 feet away since most boats operate without enclosed cabins to dampen the sound.

Also, since there is no provision to get sound amplifier permits on watercraft, the cruise and rental buisnesses will always have legal problems hosting parties that have live performances, bands and DJs, etc.

Please forward this message to any concerned parties and immediatelty call or write the mayor and city council members urging them to vote no on this amendment.

Thank you,
Joe

I wrote them emails yesterday and will call the mayor and council members offices today.  Here's the contact info:
http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/council/default.htm

As a concerned citizen and recreational boater on area lakes, I am writing you today to express my opposition to item 26  'Approve an ordinance amending City Code Chapter 9-2 (Noise and Amplified Sound) relating to noise from sound equipment to include watercraft; and creating an offense.' on the agenda for  the next scheduled council meeting, 11/5/2009.  I am against amending the noise ordinance as proposed for the following reasons:

1) It is impractical since unlike motor vehicles, most watercraft are not equipped with an enclosed cabin to dampen sound.  Music played at normal conversational volumes  in a watercraft will be audible from 100 feet.  For example, if the noise is only 60dB (normal conversation level) at a distance of 6 feet from the equipment inside the boat, then it will still be 35 dB at the 100 foot distance and easily head, and therefore an offence under the proposed ordinance.

2) The definition of 'audible' is not defined in the amendment.  Human perception of sound varies greatly between individuals. The amended ordinance would depend upon the hearing sensitivity of the citing officer.  The scientific definition for audible sound is the threshold of hearing at 1Khz, defined as 0dB.  For a watercraft user to be assured of lawful operation of their sound equipment (0dB at 100ft), they could not have it louder than a whisper (24 dB at 6 feet).

3) There is no allowance for determining noise from other sources or multiple sources, which will be the typical condition given the boat traffic and exhaust noise.

I believe the City Council can create a reasonable ordinance to address noise complaints on lakes in its jurisdiction. However, this proposed amendment is not it. As written, this amendment effectively bans listening to or performing music on watercraft in the 'live music capitol' !

Currently the item is on the consent agenda, where it will be approved along with many other items.

When you call and email, please ask the mayor and city council members to pull this item for a public hearing.

Thank you for your support!
-Joe

You can count me in for another few e-mails sent.

Oh crap, I wish I read this last night. I won't be in town. This thing is moving very fast. I hope someone who is downtown can get over there to help you out! Thanks for going to speak!

how did it go?

I'd love to know what happened, I keep searching and haven't found anything. I guess if there is a ban, I'm glad I don't have a tower with a big system They'll get hit first.