Photo by Tiffany YoaungLakeway City Council approves change to noise ordinance
On Feb. 21, Lakeway City Council approved amending its noise ordinance to require certain businesses to get a permit to have amplified outdoor sound.
The amendment requires businesses such as restaurants and bars that receive at least two outdoor noise-related complaints from two different people during a two-year period to apply for an outdoor amplified sound permit.
"This gives City Council the opportunity to address the problem locations without unnecessarily adding another layer of regulation to those businesses that aren't generating (complaints)," said Shannon Burke, Lakeway Building and Development Services director.
If a business draws multiple outdoor noise-related complaints over a two-year period, the business owner will be notified that he or she must get a permit to continue having outdoor sound, Burke said. The business owner will have to apply for a permit and a public notice will be sent to everyone living within 200 feet of the business's property line, Burke said.
