For the purpose of this chapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
AMBIENT NOISE. The all-encompassing noise associated with a given environment, being usually a composite of sounds from many sources near and far. For the purpose of this chapter “ambient noise level” is the level obtained when the noise level is averaged over a period of 15 minutes without inclusion of noise from isolated identifiable sources, at the location and time of day near that at which a comparison is to be made.
COMMERCIAL PURPOSE. The use, operation, or maintenance of any sound amplifying equipment for the purpose of advertising any business, or any goods, or any services, or for the purpose of attracting the attention of the public to, or advertising for, or soliciting patronage or customers to or for any performance, show, entertainment, exhibition, or event, or events, or for the purpose of demonstrating such sound equipment.
DECIBEL. A unit of level when the base of the logarithm is the tenth root of ten and the quantities concerned are proportional to power.
EMERGENCY WORK. Work made necessary to restore property to a safe condition following a public calamity or work required to protect persons or property from an imminent exposure to danger or work by private or public utilities when restoring utility service.
MOTOR VEHICLES. Includes, but is not limited to, mini-bikes and go-carts.
NONCOMMERCIAL PURPOSE. The use, operation, or maintenance of any sound equipment for other than a “commercial purpose.” “Noncommercial purpose” shall mean and include, but shall not be limited to, philanthropic, political, patriotic and charitable purpose.
PERSON. A person, firm, association, copartnership, joint venture, corporation, or any entity, public or private in nature.
SOUND AMPLIFYING EQUIPMENT. Any machine or device for the amplification of the human voice, music, or any other sound. SOUND AMPLIFYING EQUIPMENT shall not include standard automobile radios when used and heard only by the occupants of the vehicle in which the automobile radio is installed. SOUND AMPLIFYING EQUIPMENT as used in this chapter, shall not include warning devices on authorized emergency vehicles or horns or other warning devices on any vehicle used only for traffic safety purposes.
SOUND LEVEL. The sound, in decibels (dB), measured with A weighting and slow response by a sound level meter [used herein to measure the “noise level”].
SOUND LEVEL METER. An instrument including a microphone, an amplifier, an output meter, and frequency weighting networks for the measurement of sound levels which satisfies the pertinent requirements in American Standard Specifications for sound level meters SI. 4-1971 or the most recent revision thereof.
SOUND TRUCK. Any motor vehicle, or any other vehicle regardless of motive power, whether in motion or stationary, having mounted thereon, or attached thereto, any sound amplifying equipment.
(‘85 Code, § 29.06(b))