The following exemptions to violation of this chapter shall apply.
(A) Emergency operations. Emergency short term operations which are necessary to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the citizens, such as emergency utility and street repair, fallen tree removal, or emergency fuel oil delivery shall be exempt, provided that reasonable steps shall be taken by those in charge of such operations to minimize noise emanating from the same. Emergency operations by fire and rescue services and police agencies shall also be exempt.
(B) Noise required by law. The provisions of this chapter shall not apply to any noise required specifically by law for the protection of safety of people or property.
(C) Powered equipment. Powered equipment, such as air conditioners, lawn mowers, small lawn and garden tools, riding tractors, and snow removal equipment which is necessary for the maintenance of property, is kept in good repair and maintenance, and which equipment, when new, would not comply with the standards set forth in this chapter, shall be exempted. Good repair for the purpose of this exemption shall be when the equipment at issue is in a condition that meets factory specifications and is properly maintained to prevent any excessive or unusual noise. However, the use of radios or other sound/ entertainment devices on such equipment shall not be exempted if listened to at a level otherwise violating the terms of this chapter.
(D) Community events. The term COMMUNITY EVENTS shall include, but is not limited to, such things as parades, festivals, drum corps shows, sports events, and Fourth of July celebrations, which are sanctioned or sponsored in whole or in part by local governments, schools, or charitable or service organizations.
(E) Agricultural noise. Specifically excluded from the provisions of this chapter is noise generated by agricultural equipment on land zoned and/or used for agricultural purposes.
(F) Motor vehicles. Nothing herein shall be construed as a limitation on the operation of duly registered motor vehicles as defined in the Illinois Motor Vehicle Code, which are not in violation of 625 ILCS 5/12-602.
(G) Work performed by a public body/service workers. Any work performed by or on behalf of a public body, including that which is performed by subcontractors, shall be exempted. Such activities may include, but are not limited to, routine maintenance work, road and bridge construction, garbage services, and emergency repairs.
(H) Motorcycles. Nothing herein shall be construed as a limitation on the operation of duly registered motorcycles as defined in the Illinois Motor Vehicle Code, which are not in violation of 625 ILCS 5/12-602.
(I) Construction sites. Construction noise that occurs between the hours of 7 a.m. and 8 p.m. shall be exempted. However, if in the opinion of the Macon County Planning and Zoning Department, equipment or activities employed in the performance of construction exceeds the allowable decibel levels within this code, the Macon County Planning and Zoning Department may require noise mitigation methods be implemented and used at the construction site to mitigate noises which exceed the requirements herein.
(J) Recreational firearm shooting and hunting activities. Specifically excluded from the provisions of this chapter is noise generated from shooting of firearms for recreational purposes and/or hunting wild game on land zoned for such and/or zoned for agricultural purposes.
(Ord. O-113-9-14, passed 9-11-2014)