As used in this chapter the following definitions shall apply:
(a) “A-weighted sound level” means the sound pressure level in decibels as measured on a sound-level meter using the A-weighing network. The level so read is designated dBA.
(b) “Background noise” means noise from all services other than that under specific consideration including traffic operating on public thoroughfares.
(c) “Noise” means any sound which annoys or disturbs humans or which causes or tends to cause an adverse psychological or physiological effect on humans.
(d) “Stationary non-emergency signaling device” means any signal or sound from any bell, chime, siren, whistle, or similar device, electrically amplified or not, intended primarily for non-emergency purposes.
(e) “Emergency signaling devices” means any bells, chimes, sirens, whistles, etc. permitting the sounding of an alarm for any fire, burglar, civil defense, severe weather or other warning for emergency purposes.
(f) “Noise sensitive zone” means an area of land so designated around a district encompassing a hospital, nursing home, school, court building, where the generation of noise would interfere with the functions of such facility or annoy the occupants, provided that conspicuous signs are displayed indicating the presence of the zone.
(g) “Sound level meter” means an instrument which includes microphone, amplifier, RMS detector, integrator or time averager, output meter, and weighing networks used to measure sound pressure levels. The instrument shall comply with industry standards for Type 1 or Type 2 sound level meters as specified in American National Standards Institute spec. ANSI SI.4-1983 or its successor.
(h) “Light motor vehicle” means any automobile, van, motorcycle, motor scooter, or light truck with a GVW of less than 8,000 lbs.
(i) “Modified exhaust system” means an exhaust system in which the original factory installed noise abatement devices have been physically altered causing them to be less efficient in reducing noise, or the original noise abatement devices have either been removed or replaced with noise abatement devices which are not as effective in reducing noise as the original factory equipment, or devices have been added to the original noise abatement devices such that noise levels are increased.
(Ord. 95-22. Passed 7-3-95.)