Title
Approving the application of Skinner’s Pub for a sound level variance in order to present amplified sound on Tuesdays, June 3 - September 23, 2025 at 919 Randolph Ave - 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, §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, Skinner’s Pub, represented by Molly Skinner, Owner, who has been designated as the responsible person on the application, has applied for a variance, at a requested sound level limit of 85 dBA at no specified distance, to present amplified sound for the Music on the Patio Series at 919 Randolph Ave - Skinner’s Pub; and
WHEREAS, applicant has requested a variance for the hours from of 7:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. with a pre-event sound check from 6:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. on Tuesdays, June 3 - September 23, 2024, for a Music on the Patio Series; and
WHEREAS, if applicant is not granted a variance applicant will not be able to present amplified sound at 919 Randolph Ave - 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 from of 7:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. with a pre-event sound check from 6:45 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. on Tuesdays, June 3 - September 23, 2025, for a Music on the Patio Series.
2) All electronically powered equipment used in conjunction with the event shall not exceed 75 dBA at 50 feet from all sound source on Tuesdays, June 3 through September 23, 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. FURTHER RESOLVED, that any violations of the conditions set forth above on the Tuesdays, June 3 - September 23, 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. The applicant shall provide personnel and equipment to ensure compliance with the sound level variance conditions.
4) All electronically powered equipment, PA systems, loudspeakers or similar devices shall be turned off no later than 9:30 p.m. on Tuesdays, June 3 through September 23, 2025.
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).
7) Any violations of the conditions set forth above on the Tuesdays, June 3 - September 23, 2025 dates may result in denial of future requests for the grant of a noise variance, in addition to any criminal citation which may be issued.
Required Background Information
Skinner’s Pub, represented by owner, Molly Skinner, has requested an exemption from the sound level limitations in Chapter 293.07 in order to present amplified sound, with limitations, from 7:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. with a pre-event sound check from 6:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. on Tuesdays starting June 3 - September 23, 2025. 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