City Commission approves noise control ordinance updates and makes ethics policy revision

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – On January 13, 2025, The Grand Rapids City Commission amended two ordinances and updated an existing policy. The ordinance amendments include updates to noise control regulations and civil infractions enforcement. The policy update applies to the City’s ethics and financial disclosure policy.

Noise control ordinance amendment

The first ordinance amendment approved Tuesday, prohibits operating any device that creates amplified sound within 100 feet of a hospital or clinic, measured from the property line. This change is intended to protect patients and staff from disruptive noise near entrances and exits. The ordinance updates Section 9.63 – Prohibited Noise, which outlines restrictions on noise disturbances, including amplified sound, construction equipment, loud music, and other sources.

The new prohibited conduct that was added to the existing ordinance is:

·       Amplified sound is prohibited within 100 feet of a health care hospital or clinic.

A companion amendment updates the Municipal Civil Infractions ordinance by removing the option for a misdemeanor charge for multiple noise violations within six months, aligning enforcement with the updated noise ordinance.

The ordinance revisions will take effect Feb. 12.

Financial Disclosure Policy update

Also, on Tuesday, the Commission also adopted revisions to its “Conflicts of Interest, Ethics, and Financial Disclosure Policy.” The updated policy sets a minimum expectation of transparency and encourages elected officials to disclose more than the required information. Beginning in 2026, each elected official must file an annual financial disclosure report with the City Clerk by May 15. The disclosure report will include spousal information, employment and income, organizational roles, assets, liabilities and employment agreements.

The revised policy also defines key terms such as “blind trust,” “business partner,” “earned income,” “gift,” and “liabilities,” and clarifies reporting requirements for elected officials, including the Mayor, City Commissioners and the City Comptroller.