Title
Approving the application of Skinner's Pub for a sound level variance in order to present amplified sound for a Music on the Patio event series on Tuesdays from June 2, 2026, through September 29, 2026, at 919 Randolph Avenue - Skinner's Pub.
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, Section 293.10 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, Skinner's Pub ("Applicant"), represented by Molly Skinner, Owner, who has been designated as the responsible person on the application, has applied for a variance for a sound level limit of 80-85 dBA at fifty (50) feet from the sound source, to present amplified sound at 919 Randolph Avenue - Skinner's Pub; and
WHEREAS, the Applicant has requested a variance for the hours of 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm every Tuesday starting on June 2, 2026, and going through September 29, 2026, with pre-event sound checks from 6:30 pm to 7:00 pm on event days, for the Music on the Patio event series; and
WHEREAS, if the Applicant is not granted a variance, then the Applicant will not be able to present amplified sound at 919 Randolph Avenue - Skinner's Pub; 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 Skinner's Pub, subject to the following conditions:
1) The Variance shall be for the hours of 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm every Tuesday starting on June 2, 2026, and going through September 29, 2026, with pre-event sound checks from 6:30 pm to 7:00 pm on event days, for the Music on the Patio events.
2) All electronically powered equipment used in conjunction with the event shall not exceed 75 dBA as measured at 50 feet from the sound source from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm every Tuesday starting on June 2, 2026, and going through September 29, 2026.
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 of 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 and within 30 days thereafter. The 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 pm every Tuesday starting on June 2, 2026, and going through September 29, 2026.
5) Bands and musical acts cannot include drums or horns.
6) Speakers must be positioned entirely below the fence and must face the street or parking lot (not the building).
FURTHER RESOLVED, that any violations of the conditions set forth on any Tuesday starting on June 2, 2026, and going through September 29, 2026, the event dates, may result in denial of future requests for the grant of a noise variance, in addition to any criminal citation that might issue.
Required Background Information
Skinner's Pub, represented by Molly Skinner, Owner, has requested a variance from the sound level limitations in section 293.07 in order to present amplified sound, with limitations, from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm every Tuesday starting on June 2, 2026, and going through September 29, 2026. Section 293.10 provides for the granting of variances from the sound level limitations contained in section 293.07.
Was proper notice given? YES - See Attachments