Title
Approving the applications of White Squirrel Bar for two sound level variances in order to present amplified sound for a Saturday Patio Music Series and a Sunday Patio Music Series, every Saturday and Sunday, May 30 - September 27, 2026, at 974 7th St W - the White Squirrel Bar patio.
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, White Squirrel Bar, represented by Jarret Oulman, Owner, who has been designated as the responsible person on the application, has applied for a variance, at no requested sound level limit or specified distance from the sound source, to present amplified sound for a Saturday Patio Music Series and a Sunday Patio Music Series at 974 7th St W - White Squirrel Bar; and
WHEREAS, applicant has requested a variance for the hours of 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. with a pre-event sound check at 12:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. on Saturdays, May 30 - September 26, 2026 for a Saturday Patio Music Series and Sundays, May 31- September 27, 2026 for a Sunday Patio Music Series; and
WHEREAS, if applicant is not granted a variance applicant will not be able to present amplified sound at 974 7th St W - White Squirrel Bar; 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 White Squirrel Bar, subject to the following conditions:
1) The Variance shall be for the hours of 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.to 8:00 p.m. with a pre-event sound check at 12:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. on Saturdays, May 30 - September 26, 2026 for a Saturday Patio Music Series and Sundays, May 31- September 27, 2026 for a Sunday Patio Music Series.
2) All electronically powered equipment used in conjunction with the event shall not exceed 85 dBA at 50 feet from all sound sources
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.
FURTHER RESOLVED, that any violations of the conditions set forth above on the Saturdays, May 30 - September 26, 2026 and Sundays, May 31- September 27, 2026 dates may result in denial of future requests for the grant of a noise variance, in addition to any criminal citation which might issue.
4) All electronically powered equipment, PA systems, loudspeakers or similar devices shall be turned off no later than 8:00 p.m. on Saturdays, May 30 - September 26, 2026 and Sundays, May 31- September 27, 2026 the events dates.
FURTHER RESOLVED, that any violations of the conditions set forth above on the Saturdays May 30 - September 26, 2026 and Sundays, May 31- September 27, 2026 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
White Squirrel Bar, represented by owner, Jarret Oulman, has requested an exemption from the sound level limitations in Chapter 293.07 in order to present amplified sound, with limitations, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. with a pre-event sound check at 12:30 p.m. and at 5:30 p.m. on Saturdays, May 30 - September 26, 2026 and Sundays, May 31- September 27, 2026. 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