The Langley City Council voted to increase the maximum number of special live amplified music permits in a calendar year from six to 12 at its regular monthly meeting on Monday night.

The vote amends chapter two of section 18.22.095 in Langley Municipal Code, which outlines special standards in commercial development adjacent to single-family residential zoning districts. Each live music event requires approval from the council prior to the event.

The increase of live music events came at the request of Tim Leonard, who has hosted concerts on weekends in the past at The Machine Shop on Second Street. Leonard told the council that whenever he has outdoor events, he is attentive to the rules outlined in city code and is respectful to the neighbors. Leonard said concerns in the past revolved around overcrowding of the parking area near the venue.

Mayor Tim Callison said Leonard has been a responsible tenant “in terms of policing outside the premises and making sure parking is done in the right place.”

Leonard was excited to see the council approve his request in a phone interview on Thursday morning.

“I think The Machine Shop has shown it can be respectful, be a good neighbor, a good steward to the space and still be an amazing venue for people of all ages to express themselves,” Leonard said.