(a) The measurement of sound or noise shall be made with the City’s sound level meter which shall meet the standards prescribed by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). The instrument shall be maintained in calibration and good working order. A calibration check shall be made of the system at the time of any noise measurement. Measurements recorded shall be taken so as to provide a proper representation of the noise source. The microphone during measurement shall be positioned so as not to create any unnatural enhancement or diminution of the measured noise. A windscreen for the microphone shall be used at all times. Traffic, aircraft and other transportation noise sources and other noises shall not be considered in taking measurements except where such background noise interferes with the primary noise being measured. If the background noise interferes with the primary noise being measured, the primary noise being measured shall be limited to a level which is the greater of either the Table I value, or where combined with the ambient sound, a level which is two (2) decibels above the level of the ambient sound level measurement alone.
(b) The slow meter response of the City's sound level meter shall be used in order to best determine that the average level has not exceeded the limits set forth for the use occupancy category in Table I below. A sound level meter with a level averaging circuit may be used.
(c) The measurement shall be made at or up to fifty (50) feet beyond the property line of the property on which such noise is generated. In the event of a complaint, the measurement shall be made at or up to fifty (50) feet beyond the property line of the property on which such noise is generated in the direction of the complainant location. Any measurement shall be at least two (2) minutes in duration.
(d) In the case of an elevated or directional sound or noise source, compliance with the noise limits shall be maintained at any elevation at the boundary.
(e) The ambient sound level measurement shall be measured at the same location along the property line utilized in Section 565.04(c), while the primary noise being measured is inoperative. If the primary noise being measured cannot be turned off, is not turned off or if additional sound is created to distort the ambient sound level measurement, the ambient sound level measurement will be estimated by performing a measurement in the same general area of the noise being measured. (Ord. 2000-83. Passed 11-28-00.)