photo by Victoria Pickering
From a press release:
“Today at 1 p.m. the D.C. Council Committee of the Whole, chaired by Council Chairman Phil Mendelson, will hold a hearing on legislation that sets soundproofing standards for new residential construction in mixed-use corridors and entertainment districts. The legislation, introduced by Councilmember Brianne K. Nadeau, D-Ward 1, protects the vibrant musical and cultural history of neighborhoods while giving relief to the residents who appreciate that culture, and also seek reasonable protections from excessive sound.
“Ward 1 has always celebrated music, from Black Broadway and the Funk Parade to the Go-Go tapes playing from the speakers of the Shaw Metro PCS store at 7th and Florida,” Nadeau said. “With this legislation, those who live in vibrant neighborhoods throughout the District and the artists and spaces who make those communities so special can continue to co-exist.”
The Harmonious Living Amendment Act of 2024, introduced by Nadeau, sets higher soundproofing requirements for buildings within 300 feet of a performance venue. Currently, the District does not require any soundproofing standard for building exteriors.
For existing buildings, the bill requires disclosure for leases and home sales when there is nearby entertainment or cultural activity that they should be aware of to help people make an informed choice before moving in. There are incentives for soundproofing and retrofits of existing residences and commercial venues.
The bill also considers how to improve public spaces to make them more amenable to music and public performances in ways that reduce residential disturbance. This would mean more amenities like the recently-installed band stand at Eastern Market and public decibel meters in high-activity areas.
A companion bill introduced by Chairman Mendelson, the Amplified Sound Mitigation Act of 2024, addresses resident and business concerns about amplifiers in public space. That legislation was referred to Councilmember Nadeau’s committee and received a hearing this July.
“The sounds of the District are an essential part of our city’s culture. All of us can share responsibility for creating an environment of quality housing, healthy music, and harmonious neighborhoods,” Nadeau said. “I look forward to continuing to champion this bill as it moves through the legislative process, and I thank Chairman Mendelson for his support.”
Further details of the hearing can be found on the Council’s website.
WHAT THE BILLS DO
Harmonious Living Amendment Act of 2024
Establishes, for the first time, exterior soundproofing standards for residential construction in mixed-use corridors and entertainment districts, with higher requirements for buildings within 300 feet of a performance venue to address crowds and low frequencies.
Requires a new disclosure on lease or purchase agreements for existing residential properties in an entertainment or activity area that informs a new renter or buyer of nearby activity and established cultural institutions.
Creates new incentive programs for soundproofing retrofits, for residences and commercial venues.
Establishes public spaces and amenities, such as band shells that are more amenable to live performances in ways that reduce residential disturbance.
Establishes grant programs to encourage public performances that fit well with these spaces and help advance the District’s cultural vibrancy.
Introduces live decibel reader displays to public spaces to clearly communicate the District’s laws and regulations (but would not be used for enforcement).
Establishes grant programs to encourage public performances that fit well with these spaces and help advance the District’s cultural vibrancy.
Ensures that enforcement agencies have a minimum number of sound meters given to staff for enforcement.
Amplified Sound Mitigation Act of 2024
Establishes decibel levels for amplified sound, such as street performances.
Allows for faster and fairer enforcement by measuring decibels at the source of amplification.
Gives the Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection authority to enforce the sound levels. DLCP already enforces other types of noise regulations.
Allows performers to remedy a violation before being given a fine and allows anyone issued a fine to enter a payment plan.
· Updates the sound meter devices used for enforcement to modern standards. (D.C. sound regulations have not been updated since the 1970s.)”