PART A. GENERAL PROVISIONS (8-32-010 et seq.)

8-32-010 Short title.

   This chapter may be referred to as the Chicago Noise Ordinance.

(Added Coun. J. 11-16-11, p. 13798, Art. II, § 5)

8-32-020 Definitions.

   When used in this chapter, the following terms have the stated definitions:

   “Air handling unit” means any device or machine that as part of its function moves air into or out of a building, and includes but is not limited to any air conditioner, ventilation fan or exhaust fan.

   “Ambient noise level” means the sound level at a given location that exists as a result of the combined contribution in that location of all sound sources, excluding the contribution of a source or sources under investigation for violation of this Code.

   “Average conversational level” means a level at which normal, unamplified speech is clearly and distinctly audible above ambient noise level.

   “District” means those districts established by the City Zoning Ordinance ( Title 17 of this Code).

   “Mechanical stationary source” means any machine or device operated by fuel or electric power that does not change locations in the course of its use, including but not limited to air handling units and refrigeration units. Mechanical stationary sources include sources on vehicles or trailers, including but not limited to generators, used when the vehicle or trailer is parked.

   “Noise disturbance” means any sound which is audible at a distance of 600 feet or more from the source.

   “Private open space” means any area on private property that is open to the outdoors, including but not limited to backyards, front yards, gangways and structures with windows and/or doors open to the outdoors.

   “Public way” means any sidewalk, street, alley, highway or other public thoroughfare.

   “Refrigeration unit” means any device or machine that as part of its function cools air, and includes but is not limited to any air conditioner or compressor used in connection with any refrigerator or freezer.

(Added Coun. J. 11-16-11, p. 13798, Art. II, § 5)

 

Notes

Title 17

The hyper-linked material is not part of the Chicago Building Code infobase and therefore is not included herein.  The material is included in other provisions of the Chicago Municipal Code.  The complete Chicago Municipal Code is available for purchase from American Legal Publishing in both print and Folio® versions.  Please click here for the appropriate American Legal order form in printable Adobe® PDF format.  For additional information, you may visit American Legal's website by clicking here.

8-32-030 Rules and regulations.

   The superintendent of police is authorized to adopt such rules and regulations as he may deem appropriate for the proper administration and enforcement of the provisions of this chapter, except section 8-32-090.

(Added Coun. J. 11-16-11, p. 13798, Art. II, § 5)

8-32-040 Most restrictive limits to apply.

   In case of a conflict between any sections of this chapter, the provision which contains the most restrictive limits applies.

(Added Coun. J. 11-16-11, p. 13798, Art. II, § 5)

8-32-050 Remedies for violations.

   (a)   Unless otherwise specifically provided, a violation of the provisions of this chapter is subject to a fine of $300.00 for a first offense, $500.00 for a second offense committed within a one-year period, and $1,000.00 for a third or subsequent offense committed within a one-year period.

   (b)   The superintendent of police, or the superintendent's designee, may require any person found liable for a violation of this chapter to submit a compliance plan, indicating measures taken or to be taken to prevent similar violations in the future. Any such request must be responded to within 30 days, or such other time period as is set forth in the request. Failure to respond as requested shall be deemed an additional offense.

   (c)   If a person has submitted a compliance plan pursuant to subsection (b) of this section, and the compliance plan has been approved by the superintendent, that person shall comply with the approved compliance plan unless an alternate plan is approved by the superintendent.

   (d)   Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to impair any cause of action or legal remedy therefor of any person or the public for injury or damage arising from the emission of noise or earthshaking vibration in such place or manner, or at such levels, as to constitute a common law nuisance.

(Added Coun. J. 11-16-11, p. 13798, Art. II, § 5)

8-32-060 Designation of noise sensitive zones.

   The superintendent of police is authorized to prepare recommendations to be approved by the city council for the designation of noise sensitive zones which contain noise sensitive activities. Existing quiet zones shall be considered noise sensitive zones until otherwise designated. Noise sensitive activities include, but are not limited to, operations of schools, libraries open to the public, churches, hospitals and nursing homes.

PART B. LIMITATIONS ON NOISE FROM SPECIFIC SOURCES (8-32-070 et seq.)

8-32-070 Music and amplified sound.

   (a)   No person on the public way shall employ any device or instrument that creates or amplifies sound, including but not limited to any loudspeaker, bullhorn, amplifier, public address system, musical instrument, radio or device that plays recorded music, to generate any sound, for the purpose of communication or entertainment, that is louder than average conversational level at a distance of 100 feet or more, measured vertically or horizontally, from the source.

   (b)   Between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m., no person on any private open space shall employ any device or instrument that creates or amplifies sound, including but not limited to any loudspeaker, bullhorn, amplifier, public address system, musical instrument, radio or device that plays recorded music, to generate any sound, for the purpose of communication or entertainment, that is louder than average conversational level at a distance of 100 feet or more from the property line of the property from which the noise is being generated.

   (c)   The limitations imposed in this section do not apply between the hours of 8:00 A.M. and 10:00 P.M. to a person participating in: (1) a public assembly, as that term is defined in Section 10-8-334 ; or (2) a parade, athletic event, or outdoor special event, as defined in Sections 10-8-330 , 10-8-332 , or 10-8-335 of this Code; provided that a permit has been issued for the parade, athletic event or outdoor special event, if required, and the person is in compliance with the permit.

   (d)   The limitations imposed in this section do not apply to emergency and non-emergency signal devices as described in sections 8-32-100 and 8-32-110 of this Code, respectively.

(Added Coun. J. 11-16-11, p. 13798, Art. II, § 5)

 

Notes

10-8-334	The hyper-linked material is not part of the Chicago Building Code infobase and therefore is not included herein.  The material is included in other provisions of the Chicago Municipal Code.  The complete Chicago Municipal Code is available for purchase from American Legal Publishing in both print and Folio® versions.  Please click here for the appropriate American Legal order form in printable Adobe® PDF format.  For additional information, you may visit American Legal's website by clicking here.
10-8-330	The hyper-linked material is not part of the Chicago Building Code infobase and therefore is not included herein.  The material is included in other provisions of the Chicago Municipal Code.  The complete Chicago Municipal Code is available for purchase from American Legal Publishing in both print and Folio® versions.  Please click here for the appropriate American Legal order form in printable Adobe® PDF format.  For additional information, you may visit American Legal's website by clicking here.
10-8-332	The hyper-linked material is not part of the Chicago Building Code infobase and therefore is not included herein.  The material is included in other provisions of the Chicago Municipal Code.  The complete Chicago Municipal Code is available for purchase from American Legal Publishing in both print and Folio® versions.  Please click here for the appropriate American Legal order form in printable Adobe® PDF format.  For additional information, you may visit American Legal's website by clicking here.
10-8-335	The hyper-linked material is not part of the Chicago Building Code infobase and therefore is not included herein.  The material is included in other provisions of the Chicago Municipal Code.  The complete Chicago Municipal Code is available for purchase from American Legal Publishing in both print and Folio® versions.  Please click here for the appropriate American Legal order form in printable Adobe® PDF format.  For additional information, you may visit American Legal's website by clicking here.