While still allowing venues to host performances in the music-loving town, a proposed new noise ordinance would limit the days and times of amplified outdoor live music in an attempt to satisfy those who have complained about infringement of their right to peace and quiet.
Woodstock’s town board has scheduled a public hearing on the matter at the town hall on April 23 at 7:05 p.m.
The proposed legislation amends the existing ordinance to allow outdoor amplified music for a maximum of three hours each day on Fridays and Saturdays between noon and 9 p.m. An additional opportunity on the Sundays of holiday weekends may be added
Finally, five additional events per year of a maximum duration of five hours each between noon and 9 p.m. would be allowed by permit from an event committee created by a separate town-board resolution. In allowing permits, that committee will consider location, noise level (with a maximum of 75 decibels), crowd size and other circumstances which may affect the community.
Music cannot exceed 70 decibels as measured from the venue property line. Venues must apply for a yearly permit to host outdoor amplified music.
Ambient music, “live or recorded music intended as background music for patrons who are dining, drinking or otherwise socializing and which allows for conversations that do not require raising one’s voice to be heard,” would be allowed at a maximum of 65 decibels at the property line.
Noise from municipally sponsored events would be exempt, but the town must allow a courtesy review by the event committee.
A task force of venue owners and town residents was formed last year in response to a call to action from supporters of outdoor music for ground rules on outdoor amplified music.
A noise ordinance was enacted in 2018 to address short-term rentals that had become raucous party houses. Supervisor Bill McKenna said the law was purposely vague so as not to include music venues.
Confusion followed. When venues sought planning-board approval to continue their outdoor operations, some were told outdoor amplified music was against zoning, while others were informed that enforcement was at the discretion of town officials.
The task force of venue operators and residents “were on different sides of the fence” on the noise issue, but “they came to solutions that they can all agree on,” summed up councilmember Laura Ricci of the task force’s work. “I thought they did a fabulous job.”
Join the family! 
