As used in this chapter, unless expressly stated
to be otherwise, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
AIRBORNE SOUND
Sound that reaches the point of interest by propagation through
the air.
COMMERCIAL SERVICE EQUIPMENT
All engine or motor powered equipment intended for infrequent
service work in inhabited areas, typically requiring commercial or
skilled operators. Examples of commercial service equipment include
chain saws, log chippers, and paving rollers.
CONSTRUCTION DEVICE
All powered devices or equipment designed and intended for
use in construction. Examples of construction devices are air compressors,
bulldozers, backhoes, trucks, shovels, derricks and cranes.
dB
The abbreviation for decibel.
dBA
The A-weighed sound level in decibels, as measured by a general
purpose sound level meter complying with the provisions of the American
National Standard Institute Specifications for Sound Level Meters
(ANSI S1.4 1971), properly calibrated and operated on the A-weighting
network.
DECIBEL
A unit for measuring the volume of a sound, equal to the
logarithm of the ratio of the sound pressure of the sound to the sound
pressure of a standard sound (0.0002 microbar); abbreviated "dB."
EMERGENCY WORK
Work or activity that is necessary to prevent or recover
from an emergency, including but not limited to work to repair electric,
gas, water, sewage and telephone services.
FREQUENCY
The number of oscillations or cycles per second, expressed
in hertz (abbreviation "Hz").
HOMEOWNER'S LIGHT RESIDENTIAL OUTDOOR EQUIPMENT
All engine- or motor-powered garden or maintenance tools
intended for repetitive use in residential areas, typically capable
of being used by a homeowner. Examples of homeowner's light residential
outdoor equipment include lawn mowers, garden tools, riding tractors,
snowblowers, and snowplows.
Hz
The abbreviation for hertz equivalent to cycles per second.
PERSON
Who is individual, association, firm, syndicate, company,
trust, corporation, department, bureau or agency of any other entity
recognized by law as the subject of rights and duties.
SOUND LEVEL METER
An instrument including a microphone, an amplifier, an output
meter and frequency weighting networks for the measurement of sound
levels. Sound level meters shall conform to the requirements of ANSI
specifications for sound level meters S1.4 1971.
UNNECESSARY NOISE
Any excessively or unusually loud sound or any sound which
either annoys, disturbs, injures or endangers the comfort, repose,
health, peace or safety of a person, or which causes injury to animal
life or damages property or business. Standards which can be considered
in determining whether unnecessary noise exists in a given situation
include, but are not limited to, the following:
A.
The intensity of the noise;
B.
Whether the nature of the noise is usual or
unusual;
C.
Whether the origin of the noise is associated
with nature or man-made activity;
D.
The intensity of the background noise, if any;
E.
The proximity of the noise to sleeping facilities;
F.
The nature of the zoning district of the area
within which the noise emanates;
G.
The time of the day or night the noise occurs;
H.
The time duration of the noise;
I.
Whether the sound source is temporary;
J.
Whether the noise is continuous or impulsive;
K.
The presence of discrete tones;
L.
Whether alternate methods are available to achieve
the objectives of the sound-producing activity.
Persons committing any act prohibited by this
chapter shall be guilty of a violation and, as such, shall be punishable
by a sentence of up to 15 days in jail, or a fine of up to $250, or
both.