Exciting enhancements are coming soon to eCode360! Learn more 🡪
Township of Whitpain, PA
Montgomery County
By using eCode360 you agree to be legally bound by the Terms of Use. If you do not agree to the Terms of Use, please do not use eCode360.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Code
New Laws (1) Index
A. 
Sound from electrical power generators. No commercial property shall create ambient sound due to an electrical power generator that exceeds:
(1) 
Five decibels (dBC) above the background sound level as measured at the property boundary of a neighboring residential property.
(2) 
Ten decibels (dBC) above the background sound level as measured at the property boundary of a neighboring commercial property.
A. 
Equipment.
(1) 
Sound level meters.
(a) 
Equivalent continuous sound pressure levels shall be acquired using a sound level meter meeting the requirements of the current version of ANSI S1.4 for either a Type 1 (precision) or a Type 2 (general purpose) sound level meter.
(b) 
The sound level meter should be calibrated prior to measurement of sound levels.
(2) 
Other devices.
(a) 
A wind screen shall be used, as recommended by the sound level meter manufacturer.
(b) 
An anemometer shall be used during the measurement of sound levels to measure the wind speed.
B. 
Outdoor conditions. Outdoor measurements shall not be taken:
(1) 
If the sound level meter is not fitted with a wind screen.
(2) 
If the maximum wind speed during the measurement exceeds 12 mph.
(3) 
During a precipitation event.
(4) 
When the outdoor air temperature is below 14° F. (-10° C.) or above 122° F. (50° C.).
C. 
Measurement locations. Equivalent continuous sound pressure levels shall be measured on the receiving residential property at or within 10 feet of the property boundary closest to the noise source in question.
(1) 
Measurements shall be performed at least four feet away from any acoustically-reflective surface and at least four feet above the ground.
(2) 
The background and ambient sound levels shall be measured at the same location and immediately after one another.
D. 
Procedures.
(1) 
With the sound level meter set to slow response and using the C-weighting network, continuous equivalent sound pressure levels shall be acquired for a minimum duration of 15 seconds.
(2) 
During sound level measurements, the sound level meter microphone is to be pointed toward the noise source of interest and mounted on a tripod or held at arm's length.
E. 
Reporting requirements.
(1) 
The report for each test shall include:
(a) 
The date on which the measurements are made;
(b) 
The time of measurements;
(c) 
The weather conditions including air temperature, maximum wind speed, and precipitation;
(d) 
The identification of all measurement equipment by manufacturer, model number, and serial number;
(e) 
The date each piece of equipment was last recertified or recalibrated by the manufacturer or other certifying authority;
(f) 
The times of calibration of the measuring devices while on site;
(g) 
The background sound level in dBC at each measurement location;
(h) 
The ambient sound level in dBC at each measurement location;
(i) 
A sketch or aerial image of the site, not necessarily to scale, orienting the noise source of interest, the points of measurement, topographic features, and relevant distances, containing sufficient information for another investigator to repeat the measurements under similar conditions;
Noise created by electrical power generators during regularly-scheduled testing shall be exempt between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. for a period of no more than one hour until testing is complete.
A. 
The owner of any commercial property shall allow the Township's authorized agent to enter the property and facilities for the purpose of inspection, observation, measurement, and testing to determine compliance with the provisions of this article.
B. 
The Township's authorized agent shall have the right to enter upon land for the purpose of performing necessary inspection, observation, measurement, and testing to determine compliance with the provisions of this article.
A. 
The penalty for a violation is a fine of $5,000.
B. 
The commercial property owner shall have a period of up to six months to remediate the noise before additional sound levels are measured and additional penalties are assessed.