Sound Device Permit Issued by Common Council Raises More Questions – City to Look Further Into Permit

During the City of Cortland Common Council meeting on Tuesday, the Common Council approved a Sound Device Permit for Cortland Beer Company for their live music that is Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights on Court Street in Downtown Cortland. However, prior to voting, the Common Council raised concerns regarding City Codes on sound permits.

Currently the fee for the sound device permit to be issued for a year allowance is $100, but if it is issued for just a single day, the fee is set at $250. Council Person Pat Lane brought up concerns her constituents have had in the past with the sound level of some performances at the establishment, noting music could be heard a ways away on Cedar Street. 

Councilperson Lane then asked Mayor Steve if there were any decibel levels that would be a limit to how loud the music may be. Cortland City Clerk, Andy Jewett, said the city code does not have any language regarding a decibel limit for noise. The only language the code has is not allowing music outside the boundaries of said property.

Cortland Beer has not had a sound device permit issued since 2017, according to Jewett. Councilperson Thompson raised the question on why a for-profit business only has to pay $100 for a permit that is valid for up to a year. He suggested that the city code needs to be updated to adjust the fees and expiration dates. Thompson suggested that a permit should be issued per-month.

The Mayor and Councilors all agreed City Codes needs to be reviewed and adjustments made regarding city issued sound device permits. They also agreed the city should introduce a decibel limit for noise along with the purchase of a decibel meter.

“We’ll review [the code] it and have that discussion further when [the city] gets something written down.”

Mayor Steve added.

The Common Council ended up voting to approve the permit, which is good through December 31st, 2024. Final vote 6 to 1, Councilperson Lane voted no and Councilperson Silliman was absent.