The following sounds shall be exempt from provisions of this chapter:
(A) Construction operations from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. on weekdays and 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Sundays for which building permits have been issued, or construction operations not requiring permits during such hours, provided all equipment is operated in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications and with all standard equipment, manufacturer’s mufflers and noise reducing equipment in use and in proper operating condition;
(B) Noises of safety signals, warning devices, emergency pressure relief valves and church bells;
(C) Noises resulting from any authorized emergency vehicle when responding to any emergency call or acting in time of emergency;
(D) Noises at street activities (such as fairs or parades) where the participants have a permit for the conduct of the activity and for the uses of the streets;
(E) All noises coming from the normal operation of properly equipped aircraft (not including scale model aircraft);
(F) All noises coming from motor vehicles properly equipped with the manufacturer’s standard muffler and noise reducing equipment in use and in proper operations condition;
(G) Noise from lawful fireworks and noisemakers on holidays;
(H) Lawn mowers and residential landscaping equipment used between daylight and 9:00 p.m. when operated with all the manufacturer’s standard mufflers and noise reducing equipment in use and in proper operation condition;
(I) Agricultural equipment operated for farming purposes including poultry farming, when operated in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications and with all standard equipment, including manufacturer’s mufflers and noise reducing equipment in use and in proper operating condition;
(J) Any sound resulting from the natural behavior of farm animals or for animal husbandry purposes in areas where it does not violate local zoning regulations;
(K) Any sound resulting from activities of a temporary duration permitted by law, and for which a license or permit has been granted by the county or a state or federal agency when the sounds do not exceed the conditions and limits stated in the license or permit;
(L) Any sound resulting from activities to meet the requirements for training of sworn law enforcement officials and its members using county owned facilities or real property;
(M) Any sound resulting from an explosive device, which, in the opinion of the Sheriff or Fire Marshal, or Director of Emergency Management, should be deliberately set off in order to secure the safety of the public; and
(N) Any sound resulting from the firing of weapons at a sport shooting range exempted from liability or prosecution under G.S. § 14-409.46.
(Ord. passed 9-18-2006; Ord. passed 10-19-2015)