STURGIS, S.D. – The Meade County Commission this past week passed final reading of a noise ordinance for the county.
The ordinance was sparked by citizen requests after a campground hosted loud concerts until 4:00 a.m. over Labor Day weekend last year.
The ordinance will limit noise levels from 2-7 a.m. on weekends, and 10:30 p.m. to 7 a.m. on weekdays. It assesses a $500 fine and/or 30 days in jail for each violation. The ordinance specifically excludes Aug. 1-15, the time of the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, from noise restrictions.
Meade County Sheriff Pat West told the commission that the ordinance is helpful because it gives a timeline for noise limits. But, he said, deputies will have to use their discretion on how each complaint and potential violation is handled.
