A. Permit Required: No person shall use or cause to be used at any place in the city whether on public property or private property any sound amplifying device or equipment without first having secured a permit to do so from the city.
1. Application For Permit: Any person desiring to obtain an amplification permit shall submit a written application to the city. The application shall describe in detail the activity proposed to be conducted for which the sound amplification permit is requested, shall describe the amplification equipment or devices to be used, shall set forth the steps that the applicant will take to ensure that the sound amplification will not unreasonably disturb other people within the vicinity, shall describe the location where the sound amplification is to take place, shall describe the neighborhood surrounding the location where the sound amplification is to take place, shall include the name of the person who shall be responsible for monitoring and ensuring compliance with the terms of any permit that is granted, and shall include such other information as the city may require.
2. Granting Or Denial Of Permit: The chief may conditionally grant the sound amplification permit only if: a) he/she determines that the sound amplification will be conducted in such a manner as not to unreasonably disturb neighbors or other persons in the vicinity of the sound amplification, and b) that if actually implemented, the steps to be taken by the applicant to minimize or avoid such disturbances will be adequate. In making the determination whether to grant the permit, the chief may impose such conditions as may be appropriate or necessary in order to protect the public peace and safety.
3. Revocation Of Permit: Any permit granted pursuant to this section shall be revocable at any time by the chief for a violation of the conditions of the permit or a violation of this chapter.
4. Appeal: Any person aggrieved by any decision rendered by the chief pursuant to this chapter shall have the right to appeal the decision to the city council.
B. Exceptions To Permit Requirements: The sound amplifier permit required by this chapter shall not be required for sound amplifying equipment or devices under the following circumstances:
1. Sound amplification equipment or devices used on privately owned property, whether indoors or outdoors, where the sound produced does not carry beyond the property line or does not unreasonably disturb the person outside the property where the sound is generated.
2. Sound amplification equipment or devices used in conformity with an entertainment permit issued by the city.
3. Radios, record players, televisions, tape players, CD players, and MP3 players, wherever used, when the volume does not exceed the level of normal conversational speech.
4. Sound amplification equipment or devices used on emergency vehicles or by government employees in connection with any activity undertaken for the protection of the public welfare or safety.
5. When a permit has been issued by the city for sound amplification in a city park.
C. Violations: Any person who uses or causes to be used any sound amplifying equipment or device in violation of the provisions of this chapter, whether by failing to obtain a permit when required or by failing to comply with the terms and conditions of a permit when issued, is guilty of an infraction. (Ord. 2012-01, 4-17-2012)