The Benicia City Council will tackle noise regulations and changing the municipal code when it returns for its first meeting in more than a month.

The council will discuss adding amendments to the Benicia Municipal Code (BMC) to modify the noise regulations, after finding that the project is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act.

Proposed changes to the amendment would allow amplified music every day, including Sundays and holidays; establishing maximum noise levels for amplified sound and cross-reference the zoning amendment, regarding requiring a use permit or temporary use permit for outdoor entertainment, according to a staff report.

The amendment as proposed would also clarify noise regulations for all existing and new noise sources and development such as specifying maximum noise levels in terms of geographic areas and land uses in the city; establishing the maximum noise standards for the location, design and operation of new development with a stationary noise source (such as mechanical equipment associated with new construction or an addition); and establishing noise standards for the location, design, and operation of new noise sensitive uses , including outdoor living areas, near existing stationary noise sources, per the staff report.

The Community Development Department’s operating budget will fund the work associated with the proposed amendments . Existing staff levels will be responsible for the administration of the proposed regulations.

The city staff recommends the council find changes to the BMC are exempt from CEQA; and introduce an ordinance amending the noise regulation chapter.

Next on the agenda, the council will discuss adding text amendments to the BMC and Downtown Mixed Use Master Plan to allow outdoor entertainment in commercial areas with a use permit, after finding that the project is exempt from CEQA.

The proposed amendments aim to provide a mechanism for the city to review and approve outdoor entertainment uses in the downtown as well as within citywide commercial districts, according to city staff. This project is funded through Community Development Department’s operating budget. Through existing staffing levels, the administration of the proposed regulations would be accomplished.

Staff recommends introduce an ordinance amending Title 17 of the BMC and adopt a resolution amending the Downtown Mixed Use Master Plan.

The council will meet at 7 p.m. Tuesday, June 5 in the Council Chambers at City Hall, located at 250 East L St. A live stream of the council meeting can also be found online at ci.benicia.ca.us/agendas.

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