Resident asks county to set decibel standard; officials point to fairgrounds meter and prior sound ordinance

During the public-comment portion of the Aug. 18 meeting, resident Joy Hearn asked whether Haywood County has a specific decibel standard that could be used to enforce noise complaints.

"It was from a World Health Organization if any progress has been made on setting a decibel level to kind of tweak the county ordinance," Hearn said, asking whether staff had referred the question to the county lawyer. Hearn said she previously served as an assessor and special magistrate and that an objective decibel level would help in enforcement and evidence.

Chairman Inslee replied that the fairgrounds has purchased a calibrated decibel meter — not a phone app — and that security staff measure sound during events and instruct performers to reduce levels when readings exceed the established threshold. Commissioner Ramey said a community group and homeowners' association presidents worked with county staff to model a sound ordinance for the facility that was stricter than the City of Asheville's standard and that pre-event sound checks are intended to enforce the level.

No formal county ordinance change was proposed; staff indicated earlier referrals to county counsel on the topic and said they would follow up with specific decibel standards if requested. Hearn was the only person signed up to speak during public comment on this issue.