Chattanooga City Council moves to OK amended sound ordinance

On first reading, the Chattanooga City Council has approved an amended version of a controversial sound ordinance that would designate an area that straddles downtown and the South Side as a "loud music zone."

The music district would run from Seventh Street and Market and Broad streets to Main Street, stopping short of residential areas across the railroad tracks.

Within this area, music venues and local businesses would be able to apply for a permit to play music at 80 decibels, or 90 decibels of bass, on weekends until midnight and weekdays until 11 p.m. But they would have to first install sound deadening equipment in their buildings before they crank up the tunes.

While not all council members agreed with the content of the amendments, they approved it unanimously -- saying the ordinance was a good starting point.

Council members will vote on a second reading of the ordinance next week.

Read more in Wednesday's Chattanooga Times Free Press.

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