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San Luis Obispo Police Chief Deb Linden is proposing amendments to the city’s noise regulations at a special city council meeting at 4:30 p.m. at San Luis Obispo City Hall, 990 Palm Street.
The council originally heard a presentation by Linden in September that addressed five strategies to reduce neighborhood noise and party-related disturbances. As directed by the council, the police staff moved forward with the five strategies and will present their suggestions tonight.

In September, Linden and her staff proposed that violators of the noise ordinance be issued only one Disturbance Advisory Card (DAC) in any 12-month period, as opposed to the six-month period currently in effect. This means that violators would remain on the police department’s premises list for one year.

She also suggested that modifications be made to encourage property owners to regulate residents’ behavior, including the ability to hold property owners accountable for repeat noise violations and that an early turnover of residents would mean early removal from the premises list.

Police cannot legally enter a residence without permission unless they have information that someone is suffering an imminent risk. Since many people refuse to answer the door, and thus cannot be issued a DAC, Linden proposed that there be consequences if residents refuse to answer the door during a verified noise violation.

The council also suggested in September that first-time offenders be allowed to do community service instead of paying the $350 fine.

Kelly Griggs, Cal Poly’s ASI president and chair of the Student Community Liaison Committee, sent an e-mail to all Cal Poly students regarding the city-proposed noise ordinance modifications and encouraging students to attend the city council meeting.

Kate McIntyre contributed to this staff report.