Alcorn on amended noise ordinance: 'These changes aim to strengthen current rules and bring more businesses into compliance'

Houston City Council approved changes to the city's noise ordinance last Wednesday (May 4), changes aimed at bars and restaurants that operate near residences, according to a report from Houston FOX affiliate KRIV. 

The city said, KRIV reported, that businesses within 300 feet of a home that continue to play music past 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays could face a newly instituted $2,000 fine. The establishments are also required to apply for a new permit, per the station.

KRIV reported that the city's changes – which take effect in 120 days – also prohibit businesses from playing outdoor amplified sound between the hours of 2 a.m. and 8 a.m.

Sallie Alcorn, an at-large member of the city council, told the station that there are some businesses that repeatedly defy the ordinance with little recourse from the city.

"This is destroying quality of life in the surrounding neighborhoods," Alcorn said, per KRIV. "These changes aim to strengthen current rules and bring more businesses into compliance."

According to Houston ABC affiliate KTRK, the councilwoman attributed the changes to community input.

"I think these changes represent an important step in improving the quality of life in many Houston neighborhoods," she said, KTRK reported. "Thanks for fighting for your quality of life."

The new permits required by the ordinance will be issued to the business, not the individual, per the station.

The city's Administration and Regulatory Affairs Department will hear cases regarding noise violations, but citizen complaints won't fully determine whether an establishment should lose its business permit, KRIV reported.

Rice Military Civic Club President Mark Fairchild praised the actions of the city council.

"These proposed changes give us hope," Fairchild told the station.