Noise is becoming a daily problem and a source of citizen anger in Mérida, not just in the Historic Center. The permitted decibel level in businesses is 68 before 10 p.m. and 65 after that time.
The goal is to provide soundproofing so that the noise doesn’t spread and become a nuisance to citizens. So far during this administration, the City Council has closed 10 to 12 establishments for exceeding the established decibel level. The minimum fines in these cases range from 35,000 to 38,000 pesos.
Lourdes Marisol Solís Méndez, Municipal Director of Urban Development, indicated that they receive many noise complaints; at least one noise complaint every day, she explained. The official explained that they have a response protocol. It is a power from a state regulation that falls under a municipal regulation.
After receiving a citizen complaint, they monitor the establishment that is generating noise. If the incident is confirmed, they go to the property with an inspection order to formally notify the establishment that it is exceeding the noise limits.
They are given time to make adjustments to contain the noise and soundproof the business. Every Thursday and weekend, we monitor five or six establishments, the director said.
She also noted that some people ignore the warning of fines, leading to the establishments being closed. Noise fines are established by law and depend on the number of violations.
In addition to noise monitoring, they have conducted joint operations with the Directorate of Government and Civil Protection, as the operation of these establishments is closely linked to ensuring they have emergency entrances and exits.
Lourdes Solís explained that this addresses two issues at the same time: noise and civil protection.
The municipal official noted that many establishments have land use permits, but that does not exempt their owners from the responsibility of continuing to ensure their proper operation, especially those that emit noise.
Lourdes Marisol Solís Méndez, Director of Urban Development, spoke about noise complaints. She explained that many of the monitoring activities they conduct are in response to complaints from citizens. Among the most notable businesses are bars, restaurants, cabarets, and nightclubs.
She added that they have had a positive response from restaurants, and they even help monitor noise, which is not only an issue in the Historic Center but also in other areas of the city.
These operational violations also occur when businesses grow or become fashionable establishments. He clarified that not all establishments that have been reported are closed because their managers make the necessary adjustments. He emphasized that the most important thing is soundproofing, and this can be achieved by installing materials that prevent noise from spreading.
TYT Newsroom
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