Title
Approving the applications of Wabasha Brewing Company for two sound level variances in order to present amplified sound for a Weekends at Wabasha - Fridays May and June Event Series and a Weekends at Wabasha - Saturdays May and June Event Series, May 2 - June 28, 2025, at 429 Wabasha Street S - Wabasha Brewing Company.
Body
WHEREAS, Chapter 293 of the Saint Paul Legislative Code was enacted to regulate the subject of noise in the City of Saint Paul; and
WHEREAS, §293.09 provides for the granting of variances from the sound level limitations contained in §293.07, upon a finding by the City Council that full compliance with Chapter 293 would constitute an unreasonable hardship on the applicant, other persons or on the community; and
WHEREAS, Wabasha Brewing Co, represented by Deanna Vastine, Events Coordinator, who has been designated as the responsible person on the application, has applied for a variance, at a requested sound level limit of 80 dBA at no specified distance from the sound source, to present amplified sound for a Weekends at Wabasha Fridays May and June Event Series and a Weekends at Wabasha Saturdays May and June Event Series at 429 Wabasha Street S; and
Deanna Vastine, Wabasha Brewing Co, Events Coordinator, has requested two sound level variances, for 80 dBA at no specified distance, to present amplified sound with use of a sound system for a Weekends at Wabasha -Fridays May and June Event Series on May 2, 9, 23, June 6, 13, 20 and 27, 2025 from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. with a pre-event sound check at 4:30 p.m. The Weekends at Wabasha- Saturdays May and June Event Series are May 3, 10, 24, June 7, 14, 21, and 28, 2025 from 1:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. with a pre-event sound check at 12:30 p.m.
WHEREAS, applicant has requested a variance for the hours of 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. with a pre-event sound check at 4:30 p.m. on Fridays, May 2, 9, 23, June 6, 13, 20 and 27, 2025 for a Weekend at Wabasha- Fridays Event Series and from 1:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m., with a pre-event sound check at 12:30 p.m. on Saturdays, May 3, 10, 24, June 7, 14, 21 and 28, 2025 for a Weekend at Wabasha- Saturdays Event Series; and
WHEREAS, if applicant is not granted a variance applicant will not be able to present amplified sound at 429 Wabasha Street S - Wabasha Brewing Company; and
WHEREAS, the Department of Safety and Inspections has reviewed the application and has made recommendations regarding conditions for the variance. Now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Council of the City of Saint Paul hereby grants a variance to Wabasha Brewing Co, subject to the following conditions:
1) The Variance shall be for the hours of 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. with a pre-event sound check at 4:30 p.m. on Fridays May 2, 9, and 23, 2025 and for the hours of 1:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Saturdays May 3, 10, and 24, 2025 with pre-event sound checks at 12:30 p.m. for a Weekend at Wabasha – May event series.
2) ) All electronically powered equipment used in conjunction with the event shall not exceed 80 dBA at 50 feet from any sound source on Fridays May 2, 9, and 23, 2025 and Saturdays May 3, 10 and 24, 2025.
3) The applicant shall monitor the decibel level from the variance approved distance of each noise source and create a report that records the general operating decibel levels within 15 minutes of the start each performing act and at intervals no greater than 60 minutes apart thereafter. The report shall be made available for viewing by city staff, upon request during the variance or within 30 days thereafter. Applicant shall also conduct a decibel reading during the variance upon request of city staff.
4) All electronically powered equipment, PA systems, loudspeakers or similar devices shall be turned off no later than 9:00 p.m. on Fridays May 2, 9, and 23, 2025 and Saturdays May 3, 10 and 24, 2025.
FURTHER RESOLVED, that any violations of the conditions set forth above on the Fridays, May 2, 9, 23, June 6, 13, 20 and 27, 2025 and Saturdays, May 3, 10, 24, June 7, 14, 21 and 28, 2025 dates may result in denial of future requests for the grant of a noise variance, in addition to any criminal citation which might issue.
Required Background Information
Wabasha Brewing Company, represented by Deanna Vastine, Events Coordinator, has requested an exemption from the sound level limitations in Chapter 293.07 in order to present amplified sound, with limitations, from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. with a pre-event sound check at 4:30 p.m. on Fridays, May 2, 9, 23, June 6, 13, 20 and 27, 2025 and on Saturdays, May 3, 10, 24, June 7, 14, 21 and 28, 2025 from 1:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. with a pre-event sound check at 12:30 p.m. Chapter 293.09 provides for the granting of variances from the sound level limitations contained in Chapter 293.07.
Was proper notice given? YES - See Attachments