(a) It shall be unlawful for any person to unreasonably make, continue, or cause to be made or continued any noise disturbance. Noncommercial public speaking and public assembly activities conducted on any public space or public right-of-way shall be exempt from the operation of this section.
(b) The following acts, and the causing thereof are declared to be in violation of this section.
(1) Radios, television sets, musical instruments and similar devices. Operating, playing or permitting the operation or playing of any radio, television, phonograph, drum, musical instrument, sound amplifier, or similar device which produces, reproduces, or amplifies sound:
a. In such a manner as to create a noise disturbance across a real property boundary;
b. In such a manner as to create a noise disturbance at fifty (50) feet (15 meters) from such device, when operated in or on a motor vehicle on a public right-of-way or public space, or in a boat on public waters;
c. In such a manner as to create a noise disturbance to any person other than the operator of the device, when operated by any passenger on a common carrier.
(2) Loudspeakers/public address systems.
a. Using or operating for noncommercial purposes any loudspeaker, public address system or similar device during the nighttime, so that the sound therefrom creates a noise disturbance across a residential real or property boundary.
b. Using or operating for any commercial purpose any loudspeaker, public address system, or similar device so that:
1. The sound therefrom creates a noise disturbance across a real property boundary; or
2. During a nighttime or on a public right-of-way or public space.
c. Using or operating for any noncommercial purpose any loudspeaker attached to a motor vehicle outside of the cab of the vehicle and which amplifies radio broadcast or recorded sound.
(3) Street sales. Offering for sale or selling anything by shouting, or outcry within any residential or commercial area of the City except with a permit or license issued pursuant to any other provision of the Flint City Code.
(4) Animals and birds. Owning, possessing or harboring any animal or bird which frequently or for continued duration, howls, barks, meows, squawks or makes other sounds which create a noise disturbance across a residential real property boundary.
(5) Loading or unloading. Loading, unloading, opening, closing or other handling of boxes, crates, containers, building materials, garbage cans or similar objects during the nighttime in such a manner as to cause a noise disturbance across a residential real property boundary.
(6) Vehicle or motorboat repairs and testing. Repairing, rebuilding, modifying or testing any motor vehicle, motorcycle, or motorboat in such a manner as to cause a noise disturbance across a residential real property boundary.
(7) Places of public entertainment. Operating, playing, or permitting the operation or playing of any radio, television, phonograph, drum, musical instrument, sound amplifier, or similar device which produces, reproduces, or amplifies sound in any place of public entertainment at a sound level greater than 100 dB(A) as read by the slow response on a sound level meter at any point that is normally occupied by a customer, unless a conspicuous and legible sign is located outside such place, near each public entrance, stating: “Warning: Sound Levels Within May Cause Permanent Hearing Impairment.”
(8) Explosives, firearms, and similar devices. The use or firing of explosives, firearms, or similar devices which create impulsive sound so as to cause a noise disturbance across a real property boundary or in a public space or right-of-way.
(9) Motorboats. Operating or permitting the operation of any motorboat in any lake, river, stream, or other waterway in such a manner as to exceed a sound level or 85 dB(A) at fifty (50) feet (15 meters) or the nearest shoreline, whichever distance is less.
(10) Domestic power tools. Operating or permitting the operation of any mechanically powered saw, drill, sander, grinder, lawn or garden tool, snowblower, or similar device used outdoors in residential areas during the nighttime so as to cause a noise disturbance across a residential real property boundary, except in an emergency.
(Ord. 2741, passed 10-22-1979; Ord. 3179, passed 7-22-1991)