Proposed La Crosse Noise Ordinance Has Some Downtown Businesses Worried

A proposed noise ordinance in La Crosse would set stricter rules for “sound-reproduction devices” such as amplifiers or speaker systems. While backers say the changes would help clarify the city’s noise rules, some local business owners worry it could harm future of downtown growth.

Chris Stolpa is the owner of Stein Haus, a bar, restaurant and music venue in downtown La Crosse that’s been at the center of debates about stricter noise regulations for the past two years. He said many business owners see this month’s proposal from the city council as another attempt to quiet downtown nightlife.

“It’s just sad to see that we have to go through this time and time again,” Stolpa said.

He explained the downtown district of La Crosse has seen rapid growth in the last five years, bringing in more people to local bars and music venues.

“La Crosse is finally really doing some things. All of these businesses coming in, and even the new restaurants that have come in,” Stolpa said. “It’s going from La Crosse being this town of dive bars and binge drinking to classing it up a bit.”

While Stolpa said he worries the new ordinance will stifle that growth, City Council member James Cherf said it isn’t meant to target the downtown area.

“That’s not where my heart or my mind was regarding this (ordinance),” Cherf said. “Certainly I am familiar with the sound ordinance because of noise issues with certain properties in the downtown area, but I’m rather surprised at the posturing that some people have taken on this.”

Cherf said bars, restaurants and beer gardens have their own set of rules regarding noise levels, so his proposal for stricter regulations on speaker systems and instruments would only effect house parties and other residential noise disturbances. Cherf said the city’s current noise regulations are too technical and make enforcing the law difficult for local police.

“It’s all about reasonableness and giving people language that makes sense, explaining something in common terms,” Cherf said.

The La Crosse Police Department received 1,100 noise complaints in 2015, with 240 incidents ending in law enforcement action.

Sgt. Randy Rank said the department didn’t ask for the ordinance, but he thinks it could be helpful for officers responding to noise complaints.

“It’s another tool for us to use to make a more reasonable judgment to investigate and enforce when the officers are out there trying to resolve these issues,” Rank said.

A La Crosse City Council committee will review the proposal again during a meeting on April 5.