Title
Approving the application of OSP Events LLC for a sound level variance in order to present amplified sound on Thursdays, June 6 - August 29, 2024, except for July 4, 2024, at Mears Park - 221 5th St E.
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, OSP Events LLC, represented by Clint Roberts, Executive Director, who has been designated as the responsible person on the application, has applied for a variance, for 90 dBA at no specified distance, to present amplified sound for the Lowertown Sounds Concert events at Mears Park - 221 5th St E.; and
WHEREAS, applicant has requested a variance for the hours of 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. with a pre-event sound check at 4:30 p.m. on Thursdays, June 6 - August 29, 2024, except for July 4, for Lowertown Sounds Concert events; and
WHEREAS, if applicant is not granted a variance applicant will not be able to present amplified sound at Mears Park - 221 5th St E.; 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 OSP Events LLC, subject to the following conditions:
1) The Variance shall be for the hours of 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. with a pre-event sound check at 4:30 p.m. on Thursdays, June 6 - August 29, 2024, except for July 4, for Lowertown Sounds Concert events; and
2) All electronically powered equipment used in conjunction with the event shall not exceed 90 dBA at 50 feet from all sound sources
3) The applicant shall provide personnel and equipment who shall provide continuous sound level monitoring at each sound source during the hours of the variance.
4) All electronically powered equipment, PA systems, loudspeakers or similar devices shall be turned off no later than 10:00 p.m. on Thursdays, June 6 - August 29, 2024, except for July 4, the event dates.
FURTHER RESOLVED, that if three or more verified complaints from residents or businesses in the area regarding significant negative impact from the increased sound level variance for the Lowertown Sounds Concert Events, sound level variances may be amended or revoked by the council. Such reduction will not require a further hearing before council but shall be documented in a written communication to council from DSI; and be it
FURTHER RESOLVED, that any violations of the conditions set forth above on the Thursdays, June 6 - August 29, 2024, except for July 4, 2024, the event 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
OSP Events LLC, represented by Executive Director, Clint Roberts, has requested an exemption from the sound level limitations in Chapter 293.07 in order to present amplified sound, with limitations, from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. with a pre-event sound check at 4:30 p.m. on Thursdays, June 6 - August 29, 2024, except for July 4, 2024. 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