The following acts are declared to be unlawful:
(A) Operation of sound-amplifying and musical devices. Operation of any public radio, television, phonograph, drum, musical instrument, sound amplifier, loudspeaker, public address system, or similar device that produces, reproduces, or amplifies sound at any hour whatsoever of the day in such a manner as to create a noise disturbance within a public space or a right-of-way, or across a real property boundary, except in conjunction with authorized parades or public functions, a permit for which has been issued by the city.
(B) Loading and handling boxes, materials, and containers. Loading, unloading, opening, closing, or handling boxes, crates, containers, building materials, garbage cans, automobile parts, recyclable materials, or objects between the hours of 9:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. daily, from Sunday evening through Friday morning, and 9:00 p.m. through 7:00 a.m. daily, from Friday evening through Sunday morning.
(C) Construction. Operating any tools or equipment in construction, drilling, or demolition work between the hours of 9:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. on weekdays or Saturdays, or Sunday before 10:00 a.m. or after 6:00 p.m., in such a manner as to cause a noise disturbance across a residential real property boundary or within a noise-sensitive zone.
(D) Domestic power tools. Operating any mechanically powered saw, sander, drill, grinder, lawn or garden tool, or a similar device used outdoors in residential areas between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m., except for snowplowing or snowblowers between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m., to cause a noise disturbance across a residential real property boundary or within a noise-sensitive zone.
(E) Emergency signaling devices. It shall be unlawful to intentionally sound any fire, burglar, or civil defense alarm, siren, whistle, or similar device, except for emergency purposes or for testing. Testing shall occur at the same time of day each time such a test is performed, but not before 8:00 a.m. or after 8:00 p.m. Any such test shall use only the minimum-cycle test time.
(F) Powered model vehicles. Operating powered model vehicles to create a noise disturbance across a residential real property boundary, in a public space, or within a noise-sensitive zone between the hours of 5:00 p.m. and 10:00 a.m.
(G) Motor vehicle noise. No person shall operate a motor vehicle that causes excessive noise levels because of a defective or modified exhaust system or because of an unnecessary rapid acceleration, deceleration, engine revving, tire squealing, or testing of vehicles. It shall be unlawful for any person to cause the creation of grating, screeching, grinding, squeaking, loud reports or shots, or other noises in the use of automobiles, motorcycles, or other vehicles or appurtenances attached thereto. It shall be unlawful for any person to cause the sounding of any horn, signal device, or attachments on automobiles, motorcycles, bicycles, trucks, busses, or other vehicles except as a necessary warning of danger to a person or a property.
(H) Vibration. Operating any device that creates vibration above the vibration perception threshold of an individual at or beyond the source if on private property or at a distance of 50 feet from the source if on public property. For this subchapter, the expression VIBRATION PERCEPTION THRESHOLD means the minimum ground- or structure-borne vibration motion necessary to cause a normal person to be aware of the vibration by such direct means as a sensation or visual observation of moving objects, without the aid of instruments.
(I) Animals. It shall be unlawful for any person to harbor or keep any animal, bird, or fowl that, by causing frequent or continued noises, shall disturb the comfort or repose of any reasonable person in any dwelling or apartment house or residence.
(J) Horns and signaling devices. Operating a horn or other audible signaling device on any motor vehicle except in an emergency or when required by law.
(K) Participating in noisy parties or gatherings. Participating in any party or gathering between the hours of 12:00 p.m. and 9:00 a.m. gives rise to noise that is plainly audible across property boundaries or between partitions common to two or more persons within a building.
(L) Towing cans behind vehicles. It is unlawful for any person to tow behind any vehicle on the public streets, roads, highways, boulevards or parkways tin cans, pans, buckets, boxes or other articles, or any collection of articles or instruments in such manner as to create or to continue to create any loud noise or clattering sound as the vehicle is being propelled or driven over or along the streets, roads, highways, boulevards, or parkways.
(M) Screaming and whistling. It is unlawful to make any noise on the public streets, or in such close proximity thereto, as to be distinctly and loudly audible on the streets, by any loud and unnecessary talking, calling, shouting, screaming, shrieking, whistling, or by use of any bell, gong, exhaust explosion, or other noise-making devices, whereby the attention, comfort or repose of persons in the vicinity thereof is or is likely to be disturbed.
(N) Public use of loudspeakers and public address systems. It is not unlawful for any person to whom a permit has been granted to use and operate on the public streets and public places of the city a loudspeaker, a public address system, or other devices for the reproduction or transmission of sound, any public celebration, commemoration, entertainment, or for the advertising and publicity, or for making public announcements, or for any other public purpose. Such permits will be:
(1) Granted by the city only as the result of written application, stating the time, place, purpose, and intended use of the loudspeaker, the public address system, or other devices;
(2) Granted if the city believes that the use will promote the public interest, and will not result in blocking traffic or hindering the Fire or the Police Department in the performance of their duty;
(3) Valid for one occasion or event only, and shall be neither continuous, nor transferrable.
(Ord. 5-2022, passed 5-4-2022)