For the purpose of this subchapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
A-WEIGHTED SOUND LEVEL. The sound pressure level in decibels as measured on a sound level meter using the A-weighting network. The level so read is designated dB(A) or dBA.
CITY. The jurisdictional limits of the City of Elkins, West Virginia
DECIBEL. The symbol for which is dB, means a unit for measuring the volume of a sound, equal to 20 times the logarithm to the base 10 of the ratio of the pressure of the sound measured to the reference pressure, which is 20 micropascals (20 micronewtons per square meter).
DWELLING. A residence or abode, including, but not limited to, a house, mobile home, condominium, apartment or other structure used as a home.
DYNAMIC BRAKING SYSTEM. A device used primarily on trucks for the conversion of the engine from an internal combustion engine to an air compressor for the purpose of braking without the use of wheel brakes, said devices sometimes known as ENGINE BRAKES.
MOTORCYCLE. Every motor vehicle having a seat or a saddle for the use of the rider and designed to travel on not more than three wheels in contract with the ground, excluding a tractor.
MOTOR VEHICLE. Any self-propelled vehicle including passenger cars, trucks, truck-trailers, semi-trailers, recreational vehicles, campers and racing vehicles.
MUFFLER. A properly functioning sound dissipative device or system for abating the count of escaping gasses on equipment where such a device is part of the normal configuration of the equipment.
NOISE. Any sound of such character, level or duration:
(1) Which may be injurious to human health or welfare;
(2) Which unreasonably interferes with the enjoyment of life or property throughout the city or in any portion thereof;
(3) Which disturbs the good order or quiet of the community; or
(4) Which annoys or disturbs a reasonable person of normal sensitivity.
SOUND LEVEL METER. An instrument which includes a microphone, amplified, RMS detector, integrator or time average, output meter and weighting networks used to measure sound pressure levels. Such instrument shall be used for measurement of the intensity of sound and calibrated in decibels as standardized by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). Readings shall be made on a dB(A) scale.
(Ord. 210, passed 5-19-2016; Ord. 217, passed 8-4-2016)