COEUR d'ALENE — The Coeur d'Alene City Council on Tuesday will consider amending codes to help reduce vehicle noise.

"Although the current ordinance can, and has been, used to mitigate noise issues from motor vehicles, the amendments make it more clear what conduct is prohibited and, therefore, will make enforcement more comprehensive and efficient," according to a staff report. "The Police Department has approved the amendments and is committed to addressing the issue of street noise, especially in the downtown corridor."

The problem of revving engines in the summer months has been a problem for years in downtown Coeur d'Alene. Several residents have asked the city to do something and said not only is the noise an issue, but safety is becoming a factor with speeding vehicles.

In 2017, the city amended Chapter 10.80 of the Coeur d’Alene Municipal Code, then entitled “Air Compression Brakes,” renaming it “Additional Prohibited Conduct.” 

In addition to prohibiting the use of air compression brakes in the city, the council added to the conduct prohibited by this chapter the operation of motor vehicles, including motorcycles, in such a manner as to create “loud, unnecessary, or unusual noise” that is “excessive, disruptive, and/or annoying to a person of reasonable sensitivities.” 

The council further prohibited the emission of excessive or unusual exhaust, smoke, or other byproducts of a combustion engine, the report said.

 In 2022, the Coeur d'Alene Police Department issued 25 citations for noise violations under both the state statute and city ordinance.

The city, however, continues to receive complaints about the noise generated by vehicular traffic from citizens who live, shop, dine or recreate near streets.

"The complaints largely focus on operators of motor vehicles who rev their engines when stopped, who have altered the muffler or noise suppression system of their vehicles, or who otherwise operate vehicles which emit excessive noise and/or smoke," the report said.

In 2023, the council directed staff to propose further amendments to Chapter 10.80 to clarify the prohibited conduct and to provide for enhanced penalties. 

Chapter 10.80 prohibits “The operation of any automobile, motorcycle, other vehicle, engine or motor of any size, device, or thing in such a manner as to create any loud, unnecessary, or unusual noise that is excessive, disruptive, and/or annoying to a person of reasonable sensitivities.”

A violation of Chapter 10.80 currently carries a penalty of $100, but the city may increase it to $300, as allowed by state code.

"It is thought that the enhanced penalty might resolve some of the issues," the report said.

The proposed amendments that will be presented to the council were a collaboration between the Legal Department and the Police Department to address both the council’s and the public’s concerns.

The council is scheduled to meet at 6 p.m. in the Library Community Room.