Noise ordinance?

[davis-denizen.livejournal.com]

While out for a walk on the bike path Saturday afternoon, I heard a god-awful racket coming from that park near the donut factory.  I could even hear it when I got back home (Banks Street).  Does anyone know what was going on, and isn't there a noice ordinance in Somerville that prevents people  from screaming into 10 Megawatt amplified speakers in a public park?

Comments

It was a basketball tournament

[rollzroix.livejournal.com]

Here's what the city's noise ordinance says about P.A. systems:

(12) Loudspeakers and public address system. Unless otherwise permitted by a duly authorized agent of the city, using or operating for any purpose any loudspeaker, public address system, or similar device (1) such that the sound therefrom creates a noise disturbance; or (2) between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m.

My guess is that they had a permit.

Re: It was a basketball tournament

[rollzroix.livejournal.com]

Sorry - I should have included that the above paragraph was originally prefaced by this one:

Noise disturbances prohibited. The following acts are declared to be loud, disturbing and unnecessary noises in violation of this section, but said enumeration shall not be deemed to be exclusive.

Re: It was a basketball tournament

[davis-denizen.livejournal.com]

"Unless otherwise permitted by a duly authorized agent of the city"

Anyone who gets a permit can make as much noise as they want? I love this city! Almost as good as being able to throw out as much garbage and furniture as I want every week.

Re: It was a basketball tournament

[rollzroix.livejournal.com]

I'm not sure what the permit (if they had one) may or may not allow them to do.

I doubt it said anything like "make as much noise as you want". Although it would be quite humorous if the city was actually handing out permits that said that.

I love this city too! And I'm not being sarcastic! (I can't tell if you are)

Re: It was a basketball tournament

[rollzroix.livejournal.com]

I guess I should clarify that my interpretation of the ordinance is that you can't use a loudspeaker in a public space UNLESS you have a permit - that's why I assumed they got one (the yahoo group referred to below mentions that there was a noise complaint and that they subsequently turned the sound down)