§ 90.20 EXCEPTIONS.

   The following producers of sound and/or noise are considered as exceptions and not in violation of the guidelines set forth in §§ 90.16, 90.17, and 90.18 within reason. The following exceptions should not be considered as an exclusive enumeration.

   (A)   Public safety personnel or other entities deemed as first responders when responding to an emergency call or engaged in other official business.

   (B)   Persons engaged in a lawful procession, assemblies, parade or community event previously approved by the city. Lawful processions and assemblies are only considered as exceptions if they do not violate any other established city ordinance or North Carolina General Statutes.

   (C)   The operator of a public utility vehicle, when utilizing two-way communications equipment.

   (D)   The activation of a theft or fire alarm signal device provided the activation of said device is not in violation of any other established ordinance or in violation of any North Carolina General Statutes.

   (E)   Sound emanating from scheduled and approved outdoor athletic events.

   (F)   Construction operations from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Monday to Friday and 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Saturday and Sunday for which building permits have been issued or construction operations not requiring permits; providing all equipment is operated in accord with the manufacturer's specifications and with all standard equipment manufacturer's mufflers and noise-reducing equipment in use and in proper operating condition.

   (G)   Noise of safety signals, warning devices, emergency pressure relief valves, and all church bells provided it is not considered in violation of § 90.16(A).

   (H)   Unamplified and amplified sound at street fairs or other similar events conducted, sponsored or approved by the city.

   (I)   Unamplified and amplified sound at community concerts or other similar events, conducted, sponsored, or approved by the city.

   (J)   All noises coming from the normal operations of properly equipped aircraft (not including scale model aircraft or drone like devices).

   (K)   Lawn mowers, lawn care equipment, and agricultural equipment used between 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. when operated with all of the manufacturer's standard mufflers and noise-reducing equipment in use and in proper operating condition.

   (L)   Any activities or producers of sound or noise that are authorized or approved through any other established city ordinances.

(Ord. passed 6- -2016; Ord. 2024-02, passed 8-8-2024)