(a) Maximum Permissible Sound Levels. No person shall operate or cause to be operated any source of sound in such a manner as to create a sound level which exceeds the limits set forth in the zoning designation categories in Table I, when measured at or across the property line (boundary) from the noise source. Any sound source that produces sound in excess of those levels shall constitute a noise disturbance.
TABLE I. SOUND LEVELS BY ZONING DISTRICTS
(As May be Amended From Time to Time)
Zoning District of the Property on Which the Source of the Noise is Located | Sound Level Limit, dB(A) | |
8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. | 9:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. | |
Residential | 57 | 52 |
Commercial | 67 | 62 |
Manufacturing (Industrial) | 77 | 77 |
(b) Determination of Excessive Sound Levels. The sound level limits set forth in Table I shall be exceeded when any one or more of the following occur:
(1) The sound at any one point in the time exceeds any of the established zone limits in Table I by a measured sound level of fifteen dB(A);
(2) The sound exceeds any of the established zone limits in Table I by a measured sound level of ten dB(A) for a cumulative total of one minute or more out of any ten-minute period; or
(3) The sound exceeds, except in the Manufacturing District, any of the established zone limits in Table I by a measured sound level of three dB(A) continually for a period of five minutes, or a total of five minutes out of any ten-minute period.
(c) Ambient Sound. In the event the background ambient sound levels in an area of suspected noise disturbance exceed the levels set forth in Table I, the sound level of the intrusive sound source shall be measured with the ambient background sound level being substituted as the Table I sound level limit.
(d) Where Measured. For the purposes of this section, sound shall be measured at or beyond the property line (boundary) of the property on which the noise source is located.
(e) Pure Tone and Impulsive Sound. For any source of sound which emits a pure tone or an impulsive sound, the limits set forth in Table I shall be reduced by five dB(A).
(f) Measuring Instruments. All sound measurements shall be made on a sound level meter calibrated in the manner required by the manufacturer's specifications.
(g) Exemptions From Sound Level Limits. The provisions of this section shall not apply to:
(1) Activities covered by the following sections: construction, domestic power tools or any emergency signaling device used because of an emergency;
(2) Interstate railway locomotives and cars; or
(3) Motor vehicles.
(Ord. 2264. Passed 4-17-00.)