Planning Commission gets to work on noise law

Oconee County staff member Josh Stephens believes he has a grasp on the general feelings of the planning commissioners as to how they view the county’s noise law when it comes to loud music. After 45 minutes of give-and-take last night, Stephens summed up what he had heard and promised the planning commissioners he’ll soon try to arrange a demonstration of sound decibel equipment. It’s a piece of equipment that the Sheriff’s Office is considering buying as a way to resolve loud music complaints—many of them late at night when people are trying to sleep. At the start of their meeting, the commissioners took up a request from the Oconee County Council that they deliver a recommendation in time for council’s July 7 meeting. The council is weighing citizen’s noise complaints against the entertainment rights of individuals and businesses.