In addition to the common meanings of words, the following words, terms and phrases, when used in this subchapter, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section, except where the context clearly indicates 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).
AMPLIFIED SOUND. Any sound or noise, including the human voice, that is increased in volume or intensity by means of electrical power.
DECIBEL (dB). A unit for describing the amplitude of sound, equal to 20 times the logarithm to base ten of the ratio of pressure of the sound measured to the reference pressure, which is 20 micronewtons per square meter.
MOBILE SOUND VEHICLE. Any motorized vehicle fitted with external loudspeakers or so designed or modified as to project electronically amplified sound outside of the passenger area of the vehicle.
MOTORIZED VEHICLES. Any vehicle as defined in G.S. 20-4.01(49), including but not limited to:
(1) Excursion passenger vehicles as defined in G.S. 20-4.01(27)a1.
(2) Common carriers of passengers as defined in G.S. 20-4.01(27)c.
(3) Motorcycles and mopeds as defined in G.S. 20-4.01(27)d. and d.l.
(4) Truck tractors as defined in G.S. 20-4.01(48).
(5) Farm tractors as defined G.S. 20-4.01(11).
NIGHTTIME HOURS. The hours between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m.
NOISE. Any sound or combination of sounds which, because of its volume or quality, tends to disturb reasonable persons of normal sensitivity or to interfere with normal human activity.
NOISE DISTURBANCE. Any unreasonably loud and raucous sound or noise which:
(1) Endangers or injures the health or safety of humans or animals; or
(2) Endangers or injures personal or real property; or
(3) Disturbs a reasonable person of normal sensitivity; or
(4) Exceeds the maximum sound pressure levels as stated in § 92.24(B).
PERSON. Any individual, association, firm, partnership or corporation.
PERSON RESPONSIBLE. An owner, occupant, employee, agent, or any other person who is or who appears to be responsible for a premises, dwelling, or a noise-producing machine or device.
SOUND. Any disturbance of the air or other medium that is detectable by the unaided human ear or which produces vibrations detectable by persons of normal sensitivity.
SOUND LEVEL. The weighted sound pressure level obtained by the use of a sound level meter and frequency weighting network, as specified by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) standards for sound level meters. If the frequency weighting employed is not specified, the A-weighting shall apply.
SOUND LEVEL METER also DECIBEL METER. An instrument that includes a microphone, amplifier, RMS detector, integrator or time averager, output meter and averaging network used to measure sound level. Such instrument shall be certified to meet or exceed the current standards of the American National Standards Institute.
(Ord. 16-09, passed 5-17-16)