[HISTORY: Adopted by the Borough Council of the Borough of Oakdale 9-2-2009 by Ord. No. 2009-2. Amendments noted where applicable.]
GENERAL REFERENCES
Nuisances — See Ch. 214.
Peace and good order — See Ch. 231.
This chapter shall be known and referred to as the "Noise Abatement Ordinance."
A. 
No person shall cause or create any unreasonable or improper noise or disturbance injurious to the health, peace or quiet of the residents and property owners of the Borough.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: See also § 231-1B of Ch. 231, Peace and Good Order.
B. 
The following noises and disturbances are hereby declared to be a violation of this chapter:
(1) 
The playing of any music, including, but not limited to, radio, phonograph, musical instrument, including the practicing and performing by individuals and/or bands (more than one individual engaged in the playing of musical instruments), with such volume so as to annoy or disturb the quiet, comfort or repose of other persons. This limitation is in effect on weekdays from 9:00 p.m. until 8:00 a.m. and weekends from 11:00 p.m. until 8:00 a.m.
(2) 
The sounding of any horn or signal device on any automobile, motorcycle, bus, or other vehicle for any purpose other than to avoid an accident or collision.
(3) 
Yelling, shouting or singing on the public streets so as to annoy or disturb the quiet, comfort or repose of any person in the vicinity.
(4) 
The keeping of any animal, bird or fowl which emanates frequent or extended noise which shall disturb the quiet, comfort and repose of any person in the vicinity.
(5) 
The operation of any automobile, motorcycle, or other vehicle so out of repair, so loaded or constructed as to cause loud or unnecessary grating, rattling, exhausting, or other noise disturbing the quiet, comfort, or repose of other persons.
(6) 
The operation of any steam whistle attached to a boiler of any type except for the purpose of giving notice of the time to begin or stop work as a warning of fire or other danger, or for other purposes upon special permit therefor from the Borough Council.
(7) 
The discharging outside of any enclosed building of the exhaust of any steam engine, internal combustion engine, motor vehicle, or motorboat engine, except through a muffler or other similar device which will effectively prevent loud or explosive noises resulting therefrom or discharging outside of any enclosed building of any air-operated devices, unless inspected and approved by the Building Inspector.
(8) 
The erection, excavation, demolition, alteration, or reconstruction of any building or premises in any platted residential district or section of the Borough, including the streets and highways therein, in such a manner as to create noise or disturbance unreasonably annoying to other persons, other than between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and sundown except in the case of urgent necessity, in the interest of public health and safety, upon receipt of a permit thereof from the Building Inspector of the Borough, which permit shall limit the period that the activity may continue.
(9) 
The emission or creation or any excessive noises on any street which unreasonably interfere with the operation of any school or church.
(10) 
The creation of any loud or excessive noise unreasonably disturbing to other persons in the vicinity in connection with the loading or unloading of any vehicle, trailer, or other carrier, or in connection with the opening or destruction of bales, boxes, crates, or other containers.
(11) 
The use of any drum, loudspeaker, or other instrument or device for the purpose of attracting attention to any performance, show, sale or display of merchandise which, by the creation of such noise, shall be unreasonably disturbing to other persons in the vicinity.[2]
[2]
Editor's Note: See also § 239-8B of Ch. 239, Peddling and Soliciting.
(12) 
The operation of any obstacle course or racetrack for motorcycles, or vehicles of any kind or nature in any area of the Borough not specially zoned for such an operation and/or where the noise emanating therefrom would be unreasonably disturbing and annoying to other persons in the vicinity.
C. 
None of the prohibitions enumerated in Subsections A and B of this section shall apply to the following:
(1) 
Any police vehicle, ambulance, fire engine or emergency vehicle while engaged in necessary emergency activities.[3]
[3]
Editor's Note: See also § 375-32C of Ch. 375, Zoning.
(2) 
Excavation or repair of bridges, streets or highway by or on behalf of the Borough, state, or the county between the hours of 6:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. when the public welfare, safety and convenience render it impossible to perform such work during other hours.
(3) 
The playing of music [as set forth in Subsection B(1)] for specifically permitted carnivals, parades and concerts within the Borough of Oakdale.
D. 
The provisions of this section are deemed to be in addition to any other noise regulations set out in the Code.
Whoever violates this chapter shall, upon conviction thereof before a Magisterial District Judge, be fined not more than $500 for each violation, and each day such violation continues may be considered a separate offense.