We can require that the volume be reduced only if the amphitheater is violating the noise ordinance. The section of the ordinance that is applicable to the amphitheater states as follows:"In places of public entertainment having a capacity of five thousand (5,000) or more persons, it shall be unlawful to create or permit to be created any noise that exceeds an average of ninety-five (95) dBC in any ten-minute period from 7:00 a.m.--12:00 a.m. Sunday through Thursday and from 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. for events commencing on Friday or Saturday. The sound level limit for all other times shall be fifty-five (55) dBC. The sound shall be measured at a point which is found by traveling a straight line distance from the center of the sound board through the center rear of the facility a distance of five hundred (500) feet or to the property line of the facility, whichever is less. The measurement assumes that the sound board is not more than one hundred (100) feet from the center stage. The 500-foot measurement shall be reduced one (1) foot for each foot that the sound board is more than one hundred (100) feet from center stage."(Ord. No. 576, § 1, 10-3-05)
If you believe that the ordinance is being violated, please call the non-emergency number for our Department of Public Safety (678-297-6300) so that a police officer can be dispatched to take required sound readings. While we have police personnel on-site during shows, including one person who is able to monitor sound levels throughout performances, police personnel are not generally on-site during setup and early sound checks.

In considering and preparing for the development of the amphitheater, the City of Alpharetta did considerable research into similar venues and the noise ordinances of communities that were home to them. Based on that research, the City adopted an ordinance designed to meet the needs of our community while providing an appropriate operating environment for the venue. The ordinance reads as follows:

In places of public entertainment having a capacity of five thousand (5,000) or more persons, it shall be unlawful to create or permit to be created any noise that exceeds an average of ninety-five (95) dBC in any ten-minute period from 7:00 a.m.--12:00 a.m. Sunday through Thursday and from 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. for events commencing on Friday or Saturday. The sound level limit for all other times shall be fifty-five (55) dBC. The sound shall be measured at a point which is found by traveling a straight line distance from the center of the sound board through the center rear of the facility a distance of five hundred (500) feet or to the property line of the facility, whichever is less. The measurement assumes that the sound board is not more than one hundred (100) feet from the center stage. The 500-foot measurement shall be reduced one (1) foot for each foot that the sound board is more than one hundred (100) feet from center stage.
(Ord. No. 576, § 1, 10-3-05)

Personnel from our Department of Public Safety are on hand at every performance held at the amphitheater and actively monitor sound levels throughout the shows. Should a performance approach levels at which the City’s noise ordinance may be violated, our officers will intervene if venue management does not or if a performer refuses to comply with the direction of venue management with respect to sound issues. Since the venue opened in 2008 we have experienced only one performance during which a violation occurred, and in that instance, which occurred in 2011, the venue’s management repeatedly directed the performer to reduce volumes and literally pulled the plug on the show because the performer would not comply.

In truth, the level of sound experienced in outlying areas is frequently impacted by variables far outside of the venue’s control; factors such as cloud cover, barometric pressure, topography, and even wind direction greatly influence the distance and direction that sound travels. This is why there have sometimes been shows that produce higher volumes that are not heard at all outside of the venue while other performances at lower volumes have clearly be heard in some neighborhoods. The only way in which these factors can be fully accounted for in a manner that guarantees sound will never escape the amphitheater grounds would be to fully enclose the venue, which is simply not feasible.

The City has worked continuously with the management of the amphitheater to address the issue of sound spillover while balancing the viability of the venue. The amphitheater’s management has voluntarily taken those practical measures available to reduce unwanted impacts to other property owners, and since 2013 we have received almost no calls or complaints about sound issues.

I understand that the information above is not the answer that you want to hear. As stated, however, the amphitheater does continue to operate within the limits of the City’s noise ordinance, and at this time there are no plans to amend or alter the ordinance from its current limits.

Issue 6535611 has been marked as a duplicate of this issue.

The City of Alpharetta has resolved this request.