By Paula Pyzik Scott

Bluffton Council has approved a public event permit for the August 29 Bluffton Porch Fest/Play Music on the Porch Day. This is the third annual event, which coordinates live music performances in neighborhood settings as part of an international celebration.

The first two Bluffton Porch Fest events did not apply for a permit, which officially provides Village permission to play amplified music. The permit also provides location and start and end time guidance for Bluffton Police officers responding to inquiries and complaints.

The August 29 event will include some 30 acts playing at 15-20 locations from noon-9:00 p.m.

Village of Bluffton ordinance 93.50 Loud Sound Amplification Systems specifies that "No person shall operate or permit the operation of any sound amplification system so that the sound is plainly audible at a distance of fifty feet or more from the location of said sound amplification system."

However, sporting events are common instances when announcers and music can be heard for several blocks in the Village.

Organizer Eric Reneker shared a flyer given to participating hosts and noted that communication with neighbors is essential to the success of the event.

Reneker explained that attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and that in 2025 traveling from site to site by golf cart was popular.

This year, at council's request, Reneker will coordinate the monitoring of decibel levels. He noted that smartphones can be used to monitor sound levels.

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