Foothills residents urge Yuma County to adopt noise ordinance after new outdoor venue disturbs neighborhood

Marlee Armstrong, speaking during the meeting’s public-comment period, said a recently opened outdoor entertainment venue behind her Foothills home has made her property “no longer quiet,” disrupted family routines and raised health concerns. “My name is Marley and I'm here to share concerns regarding the lack of a noise ordinance in Yuma County,” she said, describing amplified music that she and neighbors both hear and feel.

Neighbor Shane Sarnes told the board he had tried local mitigation, spoken with the business owners and visited the Department of Development Services, which he said told him there was no county noise ordinance governing that type of outdoor entertainment and that enforcement options were limited. Sarnes said his phone decibel readings at the backdoor reached about 80 decibels during peak hours and that he is a disabled veteran whose conditions are aggravated by the music and bass.

Board members told the speakers they would look into the matter. A staff member confirmed the county has received anonymous complaints and advised that, absent an enforceable local noise ordinance, some complainants have been told to contact the sheriff’s office or pursue civil remedies. Supervisor discussion during the meeting acknowledged the limitation of current county policy and indicated staff would investigate possible next steps.

The public comments did not produce a formal vote or ordinance at the meeting; the board said staff would continue to examine the issue and report back, which could include drafting local policy changes or returning the matter to a future agenda for formal consideration.