For the purpose of this chapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning. Definitions of technical terms used in this chapter which are not defined in this section are contained in the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) publication SI.1.
“A” SOUND LEVEL. The total sound level of all noise as measured with a sound level meter using the “A” weighing network. The unit of measurement is the dB(A).
AMBIENT NOISE. The all-encompassing noise associated with a given environment, being usually a composite of sounds from many sources near and far.
DECIBEL. A unit for measuring the volume of a sound, equal to the logarithm of the ratio of the intensity of the sound to the intensity of an arbitrarily chosen standard sound and is abbreviated dB.
FLUCTUATING NOISE. A noise whose sound pressure level varies significantly but does not equal the ambient environmental level more than once during the period of observation.
IMPULSIVE NOISE. Is characterized by brief excursions of sound pressure (acoustic impulses) which significantly exceed the ambient environmental sound pressure. The duration of a single impulse is usually less than one second.
INTERMITTENT NOISE. A noise whose sound pressure level equals the ambient environmental level two or more times during the period of observation. The period of time during which the level of the noise remains at an essentially constant value different from that of the ambient is on the order of one second or more.
MOTOR VEHICLE. Any passenger vehicle, truck, truck-trailer, trailer or semi-trailer or locomotive propelled or drawn by mechanical power.
MOTORCYCLE. Every motor vehicle having a seat or saddle for use by the rider and designed to travel with not more than three wheels in contact with the ground, including every motor scooter, motor-driven cycle and minibike, but excluding a tractor.
NOISE. Unwanted or annoying sound.
SOUND LEVEL. For airborne sound, is a weighted sound pressure level, obtained by the use of metering characteristics and the “A” weighting as specified in the reference standards. When the “A” weighting is employed, it must be indicated.
SOUND PRESSURE LEVEL. In decibels of a sound is 20 times the logarithm to the base ten of the ratio of the pressure of the sound to the reference sound pressure. Unless otherwise specified, the effective (rms) pressure is to be understood. The reference sound pressure is ten.
STEADY NOISE. A noise whose level remains essentially constant (i.e., fluctuations are negligibly small) during the period of observation.
ZONING DISTRICT. Those districts established by the zoning regulations of the city.
(1999 Code, § 53.02)