Sound
Amplification Guidelines
for Organizations
Planning Events
Both the City of Kirksville and Truman State University have established acceptable levels and time periods for loud noise, including amplified music.
This pamphlet provides information designed to help your organization plan events such as dances, concerts, and music on the mall
SOME THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND:
1. Music on the Mall should be played at a reasonable level. If agreement on a reasonable level cannot be reached between the Student Union and the organization, the sponsoring group will be required to vacate the premises.
*2. The city of Kirksville has deemed it unlawful for anyone to engage in “unreasonable, unnecessary and excessive yelling, shouting, hooting, whistling, or singing between the hours of 10p.m. and 6a.m.”
*3. During the hours of 10p.m. and 6a.m., non-human noises such as horns or noise-emitting devices on any motor vehicle for an unnecessary period of time are also unlawful. The use of radios, phonographs, musical instruments, or other sound-producing/reproducing devices at unnecessary and unreasonable levels is forbidden.
*4. The creation of excessive noise that interferes with the workings of a school, church, hospital or a court of law while in session is forbidden.
*5. Noise audible at the property line (when emanating from private property) or from a distance of 50 ft. (when from a public area) will be considered a violation of the above policy.
6. The placement of speakers in open windows of residence hall rooms is not permitted without permission from the Residence Life Office.
7. Community relations is a crucial factor in avoiding noise complaints. Members of the University community should demonstrate sensitivity to neighbors by taking the following precautions.
a. Notify neighbors before the event, including dates and hours. Encourage them to call if they have questions or complaints. Give them the name of someone in charge to contact.
b. Respond to complaints quickly and politely by turning down the volume, insuring the volume stays down, and controlling other noises (such as loud voices).
*City of Kirksville Ordinances, Section 18-106 A complete copy of the noise ordinances can be picked up at the CSI.
Planning Procedures
Are you planning to use amplified sound on campus? Here are three easy steps you’ll need to follow:
1. Obtain a permit from the appropriate department. (see chart below)
2. Review community laws and University regulations regarding acceptable levels of sound and consequences for violations of noise guidelines (see last page of this pamphlet).
3. Identify the person to be contacted at your event if the Department of Public Safety (DPS), Kirksville Police (KPD), or other Truman officials receive complaints related to the event.
Amplified sound will only be allowed on campus at the times indicated on the following chart.
Location Permitted Hours Department
Student M-F 11 AM-2 PM Union
Union Mall M-F 5-10 PM Administration
S, S 11 AM-10 PM Office
McClain M-F 5-10 PM Union
Hall S, S 11 AM-10 PM Administration
Office
Quadrangle M-F 5-10 PM Center for
S, S 11 AM-10 PM Student
Involvement
Red Barn M-F 5-10 PM Center for
Park S, S 11 AM-10 PM Student
Involvement
Sunken M-F 5-10 PM Center for
Gardens S, S 11 AM-10 PM Student
Involvement
Residence Special Verbal Director of
Halls Permission Res. Living
**Please note: a permit is required for all the above locations.
**Other locations to be considered on a case-by-case basis
**Certain events may preempt outdoor music
OTHER SUGGESTIONS FOR
CONTROLLING NOISE:
1. Close windows/doors during loud stereo playing.
2. Keep speakers inside. Do not put speakers in windows directing the noise outside.
3. Be considerate of neighbors and don’t make loud noise when passing through residential areas at night.
4. To avoid interfering with educational activities in areas on campus, the volume of music played on the Union mall must be minimized. Sound must be kept at a level, not to be heard 75 or more feet away.
VIOLATIONS:
While the University recognizes some noise is acceptable on a college campus, complaints about excessive noise will be addressed. If a problem is not resolved amicably, an arrest or referral to the Dean of Student Affairs Office will be made. The Police or the Dean’s Office will make the final determination whether a noise violation has occurred.
The Department of Public Safety will generally handle noise complaints by issuing a verbal warning to the person or person’s in charge of an event. If warnings fail, arrest and action by law enforcement authorities and/or disciplinary action by the Dean’s Office may result. Consequences for noise violators may include restriction from use of University facilities for a period of time. The Center for Student Involvement will be notified of any action taken.
STILL HAVE QUESTIONS?
Contact:
Center for Student Involvement 785-4222
Union Administration Office 785-4186
Dean of Student Affairs Office 785-4111
Department of Public Safety 785-4176
Residence Life Office 785-4227