Travis County Commissioners Court on Sept. 8 agreed to grant a mass gathering permit that aims to limit amplified sound at the Euphoria Music & Camping Festival, slated for April 7–11 at Carson Creek Ranch, 9507 Sherman Road.

The vote follows the recent approval of changes to the way businesses can apply to hold major events at Travis County outdoor venues, an issue that drew testimony from local residents who sought quieter evenings as well as those who want to support Austin’s “Live Music Capital” status.

The permit approval means the annual festival can take place, but amplified sound during the event must end at 11 p.m. on weekdays and 1 a.m. on weekends, rules that are consistent with the new policy approved this summer by the commissioners court for large events, according to the motion Judge Sarah Eckhardt made at the Sept. 8 meeting.

The motion passed 3-1-0 with Commissioner Gerald Daugherty opposed and Commissioner Brigid Shea abstaining.

“I don’t think that it serves us or the community to have passed an ordinance after lengthy deliberation, hearing all sides and finding a compromise … and then to turn around and violate it almost immediately,” Shea said.

Scott Davidson, representing Austin-based company Code 4 Events Management, said the permit he was being granted was not consistent with his application.

Travis County Fire Marshal Hershel Lee said staff had looked into the permit application.

“The findings of the report were that the event could take place in a safe manner if the court approved the permit,” he said.

Daugherty made a motion to deny the permit, which failed. Daugherty said he did not think the motion that was ultimately approved is fair.

“It’s convoluted. … I can see where if I’m the applicant, I’m like, ‘This is what you’re doing to us?’ And I think that we owe it to the applicants [and] the residents to just be blatantly clear that there probably will be a call to question as to whether or not we can legally do what we are trying to impose,” he said.