Officials to gather more information before voting on new regulations
LANDRUM—On Tuesday, December 9, Landrum City Council convened for its regular meeting and discussed Ordinance 2025-12, which affects amplified outdoor live music within the city limits.
The discussion related explicitly to “amplified outdoor live music” events held in public and private outdoor settings, addressing concerns raised by residents about noise disturbances. Council member Shannon Dotson emphasized the council’s commitment to gathering the facts before making a decision.
“We are here to find a balance,” Dotson said. “[The city] has had complaints about live music, and it’s also heard from supporters. We want to ensure that we are making an informed decision and nothing is written in stone yet.”
Landrum code enforcement officers Jessica Ward and Jack Davis noted that proposed measures are designed to clarify and fairly regulate noise levels, and that their objective was to clarify the intent of the ordinance and address concerns. Ward highlighted the need to balance fostering a community atmosphere with addressing noise complaints from local residents.
“We want to support our businesses while also ensuring that residents can enjoy peace in their homes,” she stated.
She outlined the specific provisions of the proposed regulations, explaining how the ordinance seeks to define acceptable noise levels and limit the frequency of events to maintain community harmony. “One of the main goals is to create a structured approach that both protects our residents from excessive noise and supports our local venues,” Ward remarked.
She further clarified that the ordinance does not aim to eliminate live music but rather to provide a framework that ensures everyone’s interests are considered. Outdoor acoustic and indoor music would not be affected.
The officers made it clear that their approach was rooted in community feedback and that numerous discussions had already taken place with residents and local businesses to gather diverse perspectives.
“We’ve been listening to the community and want to reflect those voices in the proposed ordinance,” Ward noted.“We, as the Code Enforcement division, are gathering data and feedback from various sources. It’s essential to understand what works and what doesn’t so that we can craft enforceable and fair regulations. This is about being responsible in our approach.”
The council thanked them for their work and emphasized the importance of data-driven decision-making in crafting the ordinance.
Mayor Briggs said that Code Enforcement has been instrumental in gathering information on noise levels and the frequency of events. “This data helps us formulate reasonable, enforceable, and fair regulations,” he said. “We’re not here to shut down live music; we’re here to provide everyone a voice and establish guidelines that benefit both residents and businesses.”
A proposed ordinance, as currently written, seeks to limit amplified sound to a maximum of 60 decibels measured at the property line and also caps each business at 24 outdoor live music events per year. The council members reiterated that the proposal remains subject to further discussion and modification based on community feedback, and, as written, several members indicated they would vote ‘no’ on the ordinance in its current form.
“This is an evolving conversation,” emphasized Mayor Briggs. “We want to make sure we hear from everyone before we finalize anything.”
During the meeting, various stakeholders were allowed to voice their opinions, including a homeowner who had raised their concerns about noise levels at Stubborn Mule Restaurant and Brewery. “We love our town, but the noise from outdoor music has been intrusive,” the homeowner shared. “We want to enjoy our homes without the constant interruption of loud music.”
Tommy and Kelly Quantrill, owners of Stubborn Mule, have emerged as vocal opponents of the 60-decibel level, preferring a minimum of 70 decibels.
“We understand the need for balance, but a 60-decibel limit is simply too restrictive for outdoor live music,” Tommy said. “We’ve built our business around that experience, and limiting it will hurt not just us, but the whole community. Our outdoor events draw crowds and create a sense of community spirit.”
Kelly echoed these sentiments. “We’ve circulated a petition against this proposal because we believe in keeping live music alive in Landrum,” she said. “We need more flexibility, like the 70-decibel limit that aligns with other local jurisdictions.”
Their petition has gathered more than 1,000 signatures, illustrating the strong local support for the live music culture that Stubborn Mule provides.
“We’re taking our time to understand all perspectives. We know that outdoor amplified music brings a lot of joy to many, and we want to ensure that we preserve that while also respecting the needs of nearby residents,” said Mayor Briggs
The council moved to table Ordinance 2025-12 for now, and then passed Ordinance No. 2025-11 unanimously, which clarifies the process for obtaining various permits and certificates related to administrative zoning approvals.
The next Landrum City Council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, January 13, at 6:30 pm at City Hall.