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Saturday, November 14, 2026Nov 14

Chattanooga City Council approves first reading of amended noise rules

city-approves-first-reading-of-new-noise-rules
city-approves-first-reading-of-new-noise-rules
photo Residents who live near Track 29 say loud music from concerts at the site can be oppressive.
photo Chattanooga City Council plan to allow higher noise limits in certain parts of downtown.

The Chattanooga City Council has given its first blessing on a controversial noise ordinance, and some music venues in the city’s downtown and South Side may be able to keep the music playing – with the appropriate permits.

Council members unanimously voted on first reading to approve an amended version of a sound ordinance that has for months pitted music venues against nearby residents in the city’s urban core.

The council will vote again next week for a final pass at the local rule.

The ordinance was proposed after the city heard a stream of complaints from South Side residents who live near Track 29, a popular music venue.

After much discussion last week — and a room-shaking sample of music played at high decibels –the council decided to shrink the proposed loud music district and lower the allowable bass level to 90 decibels. But since there were so many changes to the draft ordinance, council members deferred voting for a week.