Extension sought for noise code

The environmental ordinance that sets noise restrictions for Siesta Key Village is set to expire in November, but Sarasota County staff will recommend that Sarasota County Commissioners extend the sunset period.

Sarasota County Executive Director of Planning and Development Services Rob Lewis this morning told members of the Siesta Key Village Association he wants more time for community input before altering sound regulations in the Village. The current code allows for certain establishments to exceed time and decibel thresholds, which complicates enforcement.

Additionally, code enforcement officers don’t work on weekends, so when a complaint is filed, Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office deputies are required to investigate. Sarasota County Administrator Randall Reid earlier this year he would seek an option to add a new code enforcement position for weekend duty, but Lewis said it was rejected.

As budget talks progress until September, Lewis said the county would still consider adding an overtime option for code enforcement officers, which could allow staff to pick overtime hours on a cyclical basis.