No the ordinance has not changed. It is not being enforced.

To clarify--the ordinance does not allow outdoor speakers unless city issued permits are issued.

The speakers in question are not legal because no permits have been issued. The city has a weak record on enforcement on this issue--ask folks living at The Hudson.

This does not bode well for downtown residents because enforcement of existing ordinances is a key benchmark indicating a neighborhood's fitness for residents.

These new speakers are a downer. Always hearing music down by the Marriott, by the Oxford and for awhile by the pizza place across from the Sheraton makes Fayetteville Street seem sort of seedy. What's with the outdoor music? It's nice at Christmas time to hear some holiday tunes in a downtown area but that about it.

Agreed--music is for malls not walking down the street any hour of the day

This has been referred to the Zoning Division for review, an update will be posted once we hear back from them.

I hope for your sake the speakers have to be removed. The place is supposed to be open til 3am, although I personally don't see a huge crowd turning out for $7 ball parks at 2 and 3am when the sabrett vendors are up and down the street selling $1 dogs.

An inspection was conducted on 09/03/2014 at 12:30 pm at 121 Fayetteville Street. Upon arriving at the property I noticed small speakers mounted onto the façade of 121 Fayetteville Street. The tenant in this space has recently opened as Tasty 8’s. The music was barely audible and could not be heard until I actually came to the store front of Tasty 8’s. As stated in Raleigh Code Section 12-2118 “background music systems operated at a low amplification and not intended for entertainment shall not be deemed amplified entertainment”. In any case, if this was a noise violation, or if the premises were in violation for not having an outdoor amplification permit, it would have to be enforced by the Raleigh Police Department. If at anytime you think the music is too loud and may be considered a noise violation, please contact the non-emeregncy police number at 919-831-6311 and an officer will be sent to investigate.