Definitions:
AMPLIFIED NOISENoise created by loudspeaker(s), audio amplification device(s), or other similar devices.
APARTMENTA building containing multiple residential units.
BACKGROUND SOUND LEVELThe measured sound level in an area, exclusive of extraneous sounds and the sound contributing of the specific source in question.
CONSTRUCTIONAny site preparation, assembly, erection, demolition, substantial repair, maintenance, alteration, or similar action for or of public or private rights-of-way, structures, utilities, or similar property.
dB(A)The symbol designation of a noise level, reported in decibels, using the A-Weighting network of a sound level meter, as defined in ANSI S1.4—Specification For Sound Level Meters. For example, noise will be reported as seventy-two (72) dB(A). For purposes of this ordinance, the noise shall be measured using the slow exponential time weighting characteristic of the sound level meter.
DECIBELUnit of measure of the noise level. Symbol is dB.
INDIVIDUAL BACKGROUND NOISE SOURCESClearly identifiable noise sources including, but not limited to, barking dogs, airplane flyovers, passing cars/trucks, raised voices, televisions and radios. These sources shall not be present during noise measurements.
MOTOR VEHICLEMeans any vehicle that is propelled, generally by an engine or motor, used primarily for transporting persons or property on land.
NOISE or NOISE LEVEL (used interchangeably for purposes of this Section)The terms noise and noise level may mean the sound that is capable of being measured as sound pressure level in decibels. Noise and noise level may also mean the sound that is clearly audible from a distance of seventy-five (75) feet or sound that annoys or disturbs a reasonable person of normal sensitivities. This Section offers alternative methods to measure noise.
Noise levels relative to Tables A and B below will be recorded as the visual average for any continuous measurement period of thirty (30) seconds, and the maximum noise level measured at any time. The offending noise will be deemed to violate the provisions of Tables A and B below of this Section if the visual average exceeds the maximum allowable noise levels and/or the maximum noise level measured at any time exceeds the maximum allowable noise levels by five (5) dB(A) or five (5) dB(C). |
PERSONIncludes individual natural persons, firms, partnerships, joint ventures, societies, associations, clubs, trustees, trusts, corporations, companies or organizations of any kind; or any officers, agents, employees, factors or any kind of personal representative of any kind of the above, in any capacity, acting either for her/himself, or for any other person, under either personal appointment or pursuant to law. Whenever used in any provision prescribing or imposing a penalty, the term "person" as applied to partnerships or associations includes the partners or members thereof, and if applied to corporations, the officers thereof.
PLAINLY AUDIBLEAny noise that clearly can be heard, however, words or phrases need not be discernible.
PREMISESAny building, structure, land, including yards, lots, courts, inner yards owned or controlled by a person.
PROPERTY LINEThe real or imaginary line and its vertical extension which separates real property owned or controlled by a person from contiguous real property owned or controlled by another person and separates real property from the public premises.
RECEIVING PREMISESAll lands, and buildings or structures thereon, equipment or appurtenances connected or used therewith and any personal property affixed or otherwise used in connection with use of such premises affected by noise emanating from another premises.
RESIDENTIAL PROPERTYThe units in any property in which people reside on a permanent or semi-permanent basis.
SPECIAL EVENTA pre-planned event or series of events sponsored by a public or private person or entity which is:
(1) Located wholly or partially on property owned or maintained by the City; or
(2) Located on any other property and requires for its successful execution, the provision and coordination of municipal services to a degree equal to and/or over and above that which the City routinely provides.
Permits for special events currently are obtained through the Special Events Committee in the Office of the Mayor, and permit holders are required to reimburse the City forty (40) percent of the incremental personnel cost of services provided. Excluded from the definition of special event in this noise control Section and therefore subject to it are events where a fee is charged for admission to the premises or for the entertainment. |
SOUND PRESSURE LEVELIn decibels, ten (10) times the logarithm (to the base ten (10)) of the ratio of the square of a sound pressure to the square of the reference sound pressure of twenty (20) microPascals.