Many locals have raised concerns over the volume surrounding the Las Vegas Sphere’s latest outdoor audio enhancement.
“The sound has violated the client’s constitutional rights as well as his ability to quietly use his property,” said an attorney representing a concerned homeowner.
In a recent Clark County Zoning Commission meeting, Las Vegas residents and Sphere representatives discussed various opinions surrounding a compromise over the exosphere’s audio.
“I love the visual it’s added to the area. We are so excited about the Sphere that we purchased another condo at the Meridian to rent, but we are concerned about it bringing sound because it is a residential area,” said one Las Vegas resident.
While some share their opposition, other residents say the attraction brings a unique twist to the city.
“I think that adding an audio aspect to the Sphere is a great immersive experience. I have been by it recently, and I have heard it. It doesn’t sound too loud; it sounds pretty decent when you are next to it,” said another Las Vegas resident who works near the Sphere.
Hoping to find a solution, Sphere representatives offered several measures to help keep the noise at bay.
“These are additional compromises that were made. Some of them were made at the town board and some of them after, but we are all in agreement with them. One allowance for greater noise will be limited to no more than 12 days a year. The increase in noise levels on those dates will be limited to a frequency no greater than 85 decibels measured at the Sphere’s property line,” said Las Vegas attorney David Brown.
Sphere officials also said a notice will be given to residents two weeks in advance notifying them of such events, and that noise will be shut off by 11:30 p.m., except for New Year’s Eve celebrations, which will be extended to 1 a.m.
“I think we have come up with a reasonable solution, but it is also subject to a one-year review. There are going to be 12 events, and a year from now, if there is a problem, we can come forward. They won’t get another 12 months, but we would also try to work on it,” said Clark County Commission Chairman Tick Segerblom.