(a) It is the intent of the county council to incorporate into this article those standards of measurement hereinafter set forth, which will take into account the latest scientific advances in noise measurement and control while at the same time, preserving the common sense and common law determination of what constitutes a disturbance or public nuisance. Therefore, sound level measurements, while universally desirable, shall not be required to demonstrate violation of any other ordinance or statute which establishes the creation of a disturbance or public nuisance.
(b) Sound measurements shall utilize the peak intensity of sound, measured in decibels, the “A” frequency weighting and the “slow” response characteristic of a sound level meter conforming in all respects to the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) standard S 1.4-1071, as revised, for Type 1 or Type 2 instruments.
(c) The microphone used to measure the intensity of a noise may be placed at any point on the exterior property line of the complaining party and shall be at least 5 feet from any wall and not less than 3 feet above the ground. If it is not possible to measure 5 feet from a wall, a 5 dB variance will be allowed. In the case of multifamily dwellings, condominiums or other closely confined living areas, the exterior property line shall be considered the walls separating individual family units and the microphone shall be placed at least 5 feet from any wall and not less than 3 feet above the floor. In the case of vehicles or persons in common areas, public areas, roads, streets or highways, the exterior property line shall be considered the wall of any nearby dwelling unit or school and the microphone shall be placed at least 5 feet, but no more than 10 feet from the exterior side of the wall and not less than 3 feet above the ground.
(1976 Code, § 15-101) (Ord. 2110, § 1, passed 5-1-1990)