Neighbor Noise In Unincorporated Pass Area: Community Input Sought

RIVERSIDE COUNTY, CA — The Riverside County Board of Supervisors unanimously voted Tuesday to amend the region's existing noise ordinance, but the text is up in the air and public input is sought.

The Board of Supervisors is looking to create "a clear and effective noise ordinance that preserves the opportunity for nighttime events while also balancing the public's right to peaceful enjoyment of their property," according to the county. The amended ordinance will include regulations to enforce a noise ordinance and will rely on sound-level readings and standards. Special circumstances, like special requirements for events, will also be considered.

The updated noise ordinance will impact unincorporated areas, including neighborhoods near Banning and Beaumont.

"I do look forward to meeting with folks in our communities to really discuss what an ordinance will look like from the ground up not from the top down. That's what I'm hoping for," Fourth District Supervisor V. Manuel Perez said during Tuesday's Board meeting. "Mind you, this is an ordinance that's countywide ..., so whatever we come up with needs to have some sort of balance."

In March, Perez directed the county Planning Department to create a new ordinance for Coachella Valley ranchos. Ranchos are large agricultural properties, like date palm ranches, which include a primary residence. The properties are often used by families to hold birthday parties, quinceañeras, weddings, baptisms, and other family and cultural celebrations.

The county is preparing a draft ordinance that would define ranchos, where these are located within Perez's Fourth District, and determine what types of activities would be allowed, to give more options beyond those that exist in the countywide temporary events and zoning ordinances. An updated noise ordinance is part of the planning.

" ... even though we have our struggles in the eastern Coachella [Valley], there are other struggles in the Fifth District … in the Third District, in the Second District, in the First District," Perez said of noise issues.

Community members who would like to comment on noise ordinance amendments are asked to contact the Riverside County Planning Department at Planning@rivco.org. Residents can also subscribe to the Planning Department newsletter for updates at https://planning.rctlma.org/.