The City Council on Tuesday night approved on first reading a new Downtown Amplified Music District.
Councilman Moses Freeman said he did not get what he wanted in the ordinance, but said it is a first step and will be reviewed after a year.
Councilman Yusuf Hakeem said all parties made compromises in working out the deal that includes a higher noise level for a district that includes clubs at the Chattanooga Choo Choo. Track 29, which has brought some noise complaints from Southside residents, is at the Choo Choo, and new clubs are planned.
The noise level within the district will be 90 dBC, which for the first time measures bass levels.
The current top noise level in the city is 55 dBA, which does not measure the bass.
The northern boundary of the district is Seventh Street.
A new three-member board will oversee the ordinance and have the power to revoke the permit of clubs that continue to go above the noise levels. Under an amendment by Councilman Anderson, one member will be named by the District 7 councilman and another by the District 8 councilman. The council chairman will name the third at-large member.
Clubs within the district will have to sign up for a permit.
It will go into effect after second and final reading next Tuesday.