For the purpose of determining noise levels as set forth in
this chapter, the following guidelines shall apply:
A. All personnel conducting sound measurements shall be trained in the
current techniques and principles of sound-measuring equipment and
instrumentation.
B. Instruments used to determine sound-level measurements shall conform
to any performance standards required by the Department of Energy
and Environmental Protection.
C. The general steps listed in §
96-5, Instrumentation, shall be followed when preparing to take sound-level measurements.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the following shall be exempted
from the above restrictions:
B. Any bell or chime of a school, public clock, or church.
C. Any siren, whistle, bell, or similar apparatus of an emergency vehicle,
public emergency service, or alarm system in an emergency situation;
provided, however, that any repetitive activation of a burglar or
similar alarm due to the negligence of the owner, lack of proper maintenance,
or malfunction shall not be exempted.
D. Warning devices required by state, federal, or local workplace safety
laws and regulations.
E. Farming/agricultural equipment and farming/agricultural activity
as defined by Section 1-1(q) of the Connecticut General Statutes.
F. Lawful discharge of a firearm between the hours of 6:00 a.m. and
9:00 p.m. Furthermore, nothing in this chapter shall be construed
as eliminating or reducing the exemptions from criminal and civil
liability for noise and noise pollution provided in Connecticut General
Statutes § 22a-74a ("Noise Pollution Control").
G. Power-generating equipment operated during an emergency or during
a power outage.
H. Cellular telecommunications facilities and their appurtenances, including
transmission lines.
I. Power-generation facilities owned by a public utility.
J. Noise generated by any religious or recreational activities permitted
by law, including but not limited to outdoor evangelistic activity,
preaching, parades, sporting events, concerts, and fireworks displays.
K. Noise generated by engine-/motor-powered lawn care or yard maintenance
equipment shall be exempted between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 9:00
p.m., provided that noise discharged from exhausts is adequately muffled
to prevent any explosive noises therefrom.
L. Noise from demolition work conducted between 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.,
provided that when considered emergency work, demolition shall be
exempted at all times during such emergency work.
M. Noise generated by construction equipment which is operated between
the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. used for projects duly permitted,
if applicable by the appropriate Town board(s) or commission(s); or
noise generated by construction equipment used on Town infrastructure
projects.
N. Noise generated by snow-removal equipment, provided equipment is
maintained in good repair and exhaust is adequately muffled.
O. Noise from any lawfully registered airport facility generated by
air traffic or by aviation-related activity.
Any party who violates the provisions of this chapter shall
be fined not more than $100 per violation, or the maximum fine allowed
for such violations under Connecticut law, whichever is less. Each
act of violation and each day a violation occurs or continues constitutes
a separate offense.
This chapter may be enforced by injunction, action for abatement,
or other appropriate civil remedy.
Pursuant to Connecticut General Statutes § 22a-73(c),
this chapter shall not be effective until it has been approved by
the Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection.
This chapter shall take effect 15 days after publication of
a summary of its provisions pursuant to Connecticut General Statutes,
§ 7-157(b).