CONTRA COSTA COUNTY  DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION & DEVELOPMENT  30 Muir Road Martinez, CA 94553 Telephone: (925)655-2700  Fax: (925)655-2744  TO: FROM: DATE:  Municipal Advisory Councils (MACs, and equivalent bodies with other  names)  John Kopchik, Director June 14, 2024  (by: Grant Farrington, Senior Planner)  SUBJECT: Noise Related Issues and Options  Dear Advisory Council Members,  In response to noise concerns raised by members of the public, the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors (Board) has directed the Department of Conservation and Development (DCD) to initiate the process of collecting and evaluating public input regarding noise in the County including but not limited to large events, loud parties and Noise concerns are frequently raised with the County by members of the public. The County has some existing regulations to address noise, and in fact has recently expanded regulation to address the emerging problem of loud commercial events. For example, the Temporary Events Ordinance limits noise for larger outdoor or partially outdoor gatherings. The County also imposes limitations on construction noise and hours but only for larger projects that can be conditioned as part ofthe approval process. However, the County's regulations are not comprehensive and there are gaps in coverage. For example, outdoor or partially outdoor events or parties attended by 74 people or less in residential areas or construction projects that only require a building Enforcement challenges are a major barrier to addressing noise complaints. Many noise nuisances occur nights and weekends when limited enforcement staffare either off work or busy protecting public safety. Nonetheless, the Board determined that noise concerns  construction, per the action taken during the March 15, 2024 meeting.  permit are not subject to the same limitations.  and options for improving regulations are worthy of further evaluation.  I    In an effort to better understand the concerns oft the community and gather input, we are  requesting the following from each MAC and similar body:  1) Please provide your preliminary input on noise concerns by completing this survey: Survey on Noise Related Issues in Contra Costa County. MAC members may complete it individually or the MAC may submit a collective response (there is space in the survey to indicate you are submitting a collective response). Members of the public are also invited to complete the survey. We request 2) DCD staff are available to attend a meeting to provide background information and receive direct input. Please let us know if this is of interest by contacting 3) Seek volunteers to participate in a task force to explore this issue further. Volunteers can be MAC members but don't have to be. Working group meetings will be scheduled no earlier than August 1. We anticipate convening multiple meetings over a several month period, primarily in the fall of 2024. Virtual participation will be possible. The purpose is to delve deeper into existing regulations, consider public input received, consider priorities, review opportunities and constraints for adjusting and improving regulation and provide  completion ofthe survey by July 31,2024.  Grant Farrington (see contact information below).  additional input.  If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at  Grant.Farrington@dcd.cccounty.us or (925)655-2868. Thank you very much for your consideration ofthis matter.  2