The City of Dallas Code Compliance Services Department has recently implemented a series of Enhanced Noise Enforcement Strategies that are negatively impacting to a significant degree our Deep Ellum entertainment district, community members and business owners. Recent enforcement tactics have included warnings with threats to ticket local businesses up to $2,000 per offense. The challenge for businesses is that Dallas City Code doesn’t address measurable and achievable metrics for noise nor does it provide adequate definition for “noise” or its fault for citation--“offense to the ordinary sensibilities of the inhabitants of the city.” Without measurability and specificity, local concert halls, bars and music venues aren’t able to meet clearly defined rules and enforcement is left to subjective judgement as opposed to objective, quantifiable and clear decision. In a district and community that relies on sound as its livelihood, soul and sense of place, Deep Ellum thrives only insomuch as it can exist as an ecosystem of responsible noise. Music can and should be heard on the streets and sidewalks of the Deep Ellum neighborhood, without impacting negatively the life experiences of all stakeholders including local residents, patrons and businesses. It is precisely this that requires a greater focus on definition to ensure that violations can be addressed when noise adversely impacts our neighborhood, but not when it enhances it. Please join our cause to Save Deep Ellum!