The City of Sacramento is inviting residents and businesses to provide feedback on a proposed Community Sound Management Framework that aims to modernize how entertainment-related sound is managed across the city.

Developed by Sound Music Cities, the Framework draws on extensive public input and on findings from the Sacramento Music Census, a comprehensive regulatory review, and a three-phase sound policy study. The work highlights broad community interest—including more than 1,100 responses—in clearer and more consistent sound management.

“Sacramento’s community has clearly expressed an appetite for change in how entertainment-related sound is managed,” said Don Pitts, president of Sound Music Cities who is also widely known as “The Sound Whisperer” for his approach to balancing nightlife and neighborhoods. “These recommendations provide a clear path toward fairness, consistency and shared responsibility.”

Key recommendations

The Framework outlines several tools intended to strengthen communication, improve transparency and better align the City’s permitting and oversight processes. Recommendations include:

• Integrating Sound Impact Plans into event and venue permitting
• Scaling oversight based on event size and potential impact
• Designating an accountable official to ensure consistency across departments
• Using source-based sound measurement at the point of production
• Expanding low-frequency management strategies to address bass-related complaints
• Improving communication and education for venues, residents and City staff

The recommendations were shaped by community surveys, small-group discussions and a listening session with City staff, venues and event presenters.

“These recommendations reflect what the community has been asking for—a smarter, more predictable approach that protects quality of life while supporting Sacramento’s creative energy,” said Megan Van Voorhis, director of Convention and Cultural Services.

“This process demonstrates that meaningful progress can happen when residents, venues and City staff all sit at the same table,” added Dustin Hollingsworth, assistant director of Convention and Cultural Services. “The Framework provides the tools to make that collaboration the norm.”

Community meetings

To continue gathering input, the City will hold three community meetings in December for residents, venue owners and event producers:

North Area Community Meeting
Dec. 8 at 5:30 p.m.
North Natomas Community Center (2631 New Market Dr.)

Central Area Community Meeting
Dec. 9 at 5:30 p.m.
Hart Senior Center (915 27th St.)

South Area Community Meeting
Dec. 10 at 5:30 p.m.
George Sim Community Center (6207 Logan St.)

Feedback gathered from these sessions will help inform next steps as the City considers implementation options for 2026.

Those unable to attend a meeting may submit comments by email to the City’s Entertainment Services Division at EntertainmentServices@cityofsacramento.org.

The full Community Sound Management Framework, along with earlier reports—including the Sacramento Music Census, regulatory review and Phase 1 and 2 sound studies—is available on the City’s website.