A proposed change in Muncie's noise ordinance could mean Ball State University organizations will have to turn down their speakers at outdoor events.
Elizabeth DeVoe, president of the Muncie board of public works and safety, said the board will listen to a report about noise control laws and discuss possible changes during its meeting at 10 a.m. today.
DeVoe said the proposed changes would apply to events that received exemptions for the noise ordinance.
Noise ordinance exemptions legally allow events to have unrestricted noise control until 1 a.m, DeVoe said. The proposal would restrict noise from exceeding 10 blocks from the event. The proposal would not affect the noise ordinance itself, DeVoe said.
"We're not going to be unrealistic in our thinking," she said. "[People] need to just turn their speakers down a little right now."
John Huber, graduate assistant for Student Center Programs, said the policy change could affect outdoor Ball State events, such as Quad Bash and the Late Nite Carnival.
"We want the DJs to play as loud as they want, and we want people to get involved," Huber said.
The board decided to review the ordinance after it received several complaints from Muncie residents about noise during Ball State events, DeVoe said.
The most recent event that received complaints was After Glow on Sept. 21, which had a disc jockey who played music in LaFollette Field, DeVoe said.
Despite complaints, Ball State students have always been cooperative about noise ordinances, DeVoe said.
"[Students] are really good about coming down and getting noise exemptions," she said. "Even this last party, the people in the audience said the party stopped right at 1 o'clock."
Alanna Hill, graduate assistant for Student Center Programs, said the university applies for a noise exemption when it has a major outdoor event.
In order to receive an exemption, event organizers need to fill out an application stating times, location and type of event, and they must attend a city council meeting to request the exemption.
Huber said Student Center Programs has always complied with noise ordinance laws and applied for exemptions when needed.
"Ultimately, we're trying to maintain that good relationship between our office and the Muncie community," he said.
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