As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the
meanings indicated:
A-WEIGHTED SOUND
A unit for describing the amplitude of sound as measured
on a sound-level meter using the A-weighting network.
ANSI
The American National Standards Institute or its successor
bodies.
CONSTRUCTION
Any site preparation, assembly, erection, repair, alteration,
or similar activity.
CURTILAGE
The enclosed land surrounding a house or dwelling and includes
all areas maintained in lawn or horticultural plantings and may be
bounded by a fence or wall, but would not typically include areas
more distant than 300 feet from the dwelling unless those areas were
horticulturally maintained and routinely used as areas of personal
refuge, or supported accessory structures that were routinely utilized.
DAYTIME
For the purposes of this chapter, "daytime" shall mean from
7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 7:00 a.m. to 10:00
p.m. Friday and Saturday.
DECIBEL (dB)
A unit of measure equal to 10 times the logarithm to the
base 10 of the ratio of a particular sound pressure squared to a standard
reference pressure squared. For the purposes of this chapter, 20 micropascals
shall be the standard reference pressure.
DECIBEL A-WEIGHTED (dBA)
The sound level in decibels determined by the A-weighting
network of a sound-level meter or by a calculation from octave band
or one-third band data.
DEPARTMENT
For the purposes of this chapter only, this term shall mean
the Department of Planning and Zoning, Office of Permits and Inspections,
the Talbot County Sheriff's Office and the Maryland State Police.
In certain circumstances as defined herein, Department shall include
the Talbot County Animal Control Officer.
NIGHTTIME
For the purposes of this chapter, "nighttime" shall mean
all times outside of daytime.
NOISE
The intensity, frequency, duration, and character of sound,
including sound and vibration of subaudible frequencies.
NOISE DISTURBANCE
Sounds of sufficient volume, character and duration which
unreasonably annoy, disturb, injure or endanger the comfort, health,
safety, welfare, or environment of others, in the opinion of a Talbot
County noise control officer.
NONDECIBEL
Noise levels that can be heard clearly by a person using
his or her unaided hearing faculties. Only those noise levels that
reach noise disturbance are regulated herein.
PERIODIC NOISE
Noise possessing a repetitive on and off characteristic.
PERSON
Any individual, group of individuals, firm, partnership,
voluntary association or private, public or municipal corporation,
or political subdivision of any government entity responsible for
the use of the property.
SOUND LEVEL
In decibels, the weighted sound pressure level measured by
the use of a sound-level meter satisfying the requirements of ASNI
S1.4 1971 "Specifications for Sound Level Meters." Sound level and
noise level are synonymous. The weighting employed shall always be
specified.
SOURCE
Any person, animal, equipment, location or property, real
or personal, generating noise contributing to noise pollution, or
noise disturbance.
SUNSET
The time of apparent descent of the sun below the horizon.