Problems concerning the disturbance of peace and quiet by noise
from various activities are best solved by thoughtful discussion and
cooperative agreements between affected parties. However, to resolve
remaining problems of noise which is disturbing to others, it is the
policy of the Town of Hamlin to establish some standards, enforcement
procedures and penalties. It is hereby declared to be the policy of
the Town to prevent certain noises that make it difficult for residents
within the privacy of their homes to be free from intrusive unwanted
sounds.
As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the
meanings indicated:
MOTOR VEHICLE
A motor-driven machine commonly used to move a person from
place to place and shall include every such machine capable of being
legally driven upon a public highway other than by muscular power
alone. The term "motor vehicle" shall also include snowmobiles, dirt
bikes and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) but shall exclude farm machinery
and emergency vehicles such as fire trucks and ambulances.
NOISE
Any sound capable of being heard through the closed windows
and doors of a bedroom, living room or den of a house located 50 feet
or more from the source of the device emitting the sound.
NOISE CONTROL DEVICES
Any muffler, baffle, packing material or metal tubing placed
in the exhaust system of a gasoline or diesel engine to reduce the
sound emitted by the engine while in operation.
STATIONARY MACHINE
A machine that is being operated continuously or intermittently
from one location even though the machine may be capable of being
moved to a different location.
This chapter shall not apply to the operation or use of any
organ, bell, chimes or other instrument, apparatus or device by any
church, school or municipal facility, warning devices on machinery
used to provide emergency services, OSHA required warning devices
or to farm machinery found to be sound practice by the New York State
Commissioner of Agriculture. This chapter shall also not apply to
any noise created during events sponsored by any church, school, local
government entity, veterans' organization or organizations responsible
for providing emergency services to the Town.