Noise Committee meets again

Decibel measurements are currently how noise is enforced in Casco Township

The Noise Committee appointed and chaired by Casco Township Supervisor Allan Overhiser held its second meeting on Thursday July 10, 2025 at 7:00 pm at the Casco Township Hall. Committee members include Debbie Weaver of Miami Park; Brian Murphy of Sunset Shore; Ryan Brush representing Ag; and Ron Wise, former SHAES Chief. Casco Township Deputy Hoyt could not attend this meeting.

Committee members who had visited Daydreamer Domes reported on their experiences. Weaver had visited twice on Sunday June 29. During her morning visit, the music could not be heard offsite. During her evening visit on the same day, the music could be heard across the street in Beverly Shores.

Brian Murphy visited when a DJ group from Grand Rapids was on site. He found that moving speakers around impacted how the sound traveled, and using directional speakers could helpfully address noise issues. He also noted that the DJ group was not using Daydreamer Domes' equipment. The DJ booth itself is a source of noise and has openings to the north that could be blocked.

"Missy [Fotjik, owner of Daydreamer Domes] likely can attenuate this [noise] issue, Murphy said. "It is not an untenable situation that can't be managed."

Discussion turned to the Lee Township Noise Ordinance, which was suggested to the committee as something to emulate by Deputy Hoyt, due to its enforceability.

Committee members voiced support for the Lee ordinance based on its simplicity. Murphy felt Daydreamer Domes would be able to meet the standards set in the Lee Township ordinance.

Ron Wise proposed that amplified music might be heard across a property line, but that there may be degrees of annoyance. "I can hear it, but is it unreasonable?" he asked, pointing out the difference between being able to tell that music is being played, versus hearing all of the words clearly or experience ongoing thumping of low frequencies.

Overhiser said the complaints he receives include loudness but also frequency and duration issues, such as when a bass sound goes on for hours, even at a low level. Committee members liked the phrase "unreasonably upset" in the Lee ordinance as a way of providing discretion to an officer to determine whether noise qualitatively disturbs the peace.

There was reluctance to overregulate noise including the sounds of children playing, basketball and other sports, and people enjoying themselves in the summertime. "I would hate to turn the Township upside down to answer past complaints," Overhiser said.

Weaver agreed. "The thing I love about Casco Township is we try to have a good neighbor policy." Distinction was made that some noise complaints might actually stem from ongoing neighbor disputes about other matters, with noise providing an excuse to report a neighbor. Responses to noise complaints are a low priority for law enforcement, though repeated and unreasonable noise--such as barking dogs-- may be addressed by an officer at the officer's convenience.

Weaver proposed that with the preponderance of short term rentals (STRs), "people making money have a higher standard to follow for being quiet and monitoring their noise."

Murphy completely agreed. Short Term Rentals are regulated through a specific STR ordinance, and the Zoning Ordinance, which permits various special uses, also regulates noise.

Ryan Brush liked the list of exemptions in the Casco Noise Ordinance, particularly regarding firearm use in Agricultural zones.

Overhiser said he would raise several items with the Township Attorney for clarification, including how to address sports activity, frequency and duration issues, and proposed penalties.

The Committee scheduled a meeting to review recommendations from the Township attorney. The Noise Committee will meet again on Wednesday August 6 at 7:00 pm at the Casco Township Hall, 7104 107th Ave.