Leaving it to the County Council

Oconee’s planning commissioners are deferring to the County Council just how loud is too loud.  The commissioners focused much of their meeting last night on decibel levels and how they should apply to the county’s noise law, but the exact levels are something they’ll leave to the county’s governing board.  However, they did agree on several recommendations for tweaking the county’s noise law.  And, as requested, those recommendations are going to be forwarded to the council.  The commission recommends a simple permitting process for those who intend to stage events, such as outdoor concerts, and supports the Sheriff’s Office’s purchase of a sound detection device that can be used to resolve complaints.  A listing of what the commission recommended is being aired today on 96.3/WGOG NEWS.  Before their vote last night, the commissioners heard a technical explanation of sound from Chad Rollins, considered an authority on the subject.  Rollins also brought copies of noise laws adopted by the cities of Atlanta and Charlotte.