The Winter Park Town Council approved changes to noise regulations in the town code at their meeting on Tuesday, May 6. Members also considered an amendment to the building requirements for the Riverwalk development.

The changes to the town code strengthen noise regulations for short-term housing units by clarifying the term “unreasonable noise” and increasing the penalty to property owners for failing to enforce the regulations. The finalized amendment, which was initially considered at Council’s last meeting, passed unanimously.

The amendment clarifies noise regulations for short-term housing units in Winter Park by refining the definition of “unreasonable noise” to be noise audible at a distance of 50 feet, distinguishable from any other source of sound in the vicinity, between the hours of 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. It also revokes the chance for a warning on the first violation, instead imposing a $500 fine on the first offense and $1,000 on the second offense.

The council also heard a proposal to amend zoning regulations for the Riverwalk development to allow for larger buildings on certain lots. The amendment addresses what developers see as an oversight in the drafting process by removing unnecessary restrictions on how much land can be used for building. Council will further consider the proposal and vote again at their May 20 meeting.

In other business:

• Council renewed a special use permit for Kona Ice to operate their shaved ice truck along Hideaway Park. The truck has operated since 2019 and must be approved by the council annually.
• Council agreed to another five-year contract with Denver Water to maintain Winter Park’s access to the Vasquez-St. Louis property.

For more information about the changes to the town code, the Riverwalk zoning amendment, or any other items from Council’s May 6^th meeting, access the full meeting agenda and minutes here.