Sections:
16.30.010 Purpose.
16.30.020 Declaration of Policy.
16.30.030 Definitions.
16.30.040 Enforcement of Regulations.
16.30.050 Initial Violations.
16.30.060 Activities Exempt from Regulations.
16.30.070 Decibel Measurement.
16.30.080 Noise Zones Designated.
16.30.090 Exterior Noise Standards.
16.30.100 Interior Noise Standards for Multi-family Residential.
16.30.110 Correction for Certain Types of Sounds.
16.30.120 Measurement Methods.
16.30.130 Acts Deemed Violations of Chapter.
16.30.140 Modification of Standards.
Excessive noise levels are detrimental to the health and safety of individuals. Noise is considered a public nuisance and the city discourages unnecessary, excessive or annoying noises from all sources. Creating, maintaining, causing or allowing to be created. caused or maintained any noise or vibration in a manner prohibited by the provisions of this chapter is a public nuisance and shall be punishable as a misdemeanor.
(Ord. 182 § 2 (part), 1997)
The following words. terms and phrases. when used in this chapter, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this chapter, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning:
A-Weighted Sound Level. The sound level in decibels as measured on a sound level meter using the A-weighting network. The level so read is designated dB(A) or dBA.
Ambient Noise Histogram. The composite of all noise from sources near and far, excluding the alleged intrusive noise source. In this context, the ambient noise histogram shall constitute the normal or existing level of environmental noise at a given location.
Cumulative Period. An additive period of time composed of individual time segments which may be continuous or interrupted.
Decibel. A unit for measuring the amplitude of a sound, equal to twenty (20) times the logarithm to the base of ten of the ratio of the pressure of the sound measured to the reference pressure, which is twenty (20) micropascals.
Emergency Machinery, Vehicle or Alarm. Any machinery, vehicle or alarm used, employed, performed or operated in an effort to protect, provide or restore safe conditions in the community, or work by private or public utilities when restoring utility service.
Emergency Work. Work performed for the purpose of preventing or alleviating the physical trauma or property damage threatened or caused by an emergency.
Fixed Noise Source. A stationary device which creates sounds while fixed or motionless, including, but not limited to, residential, agricultural, industrial and commercial machinery and equipment, pumps, fans, compressors, air conditioners and refrigeration equipment.
Impulsive Noise. A sound of short duration, usually less than one second and of high intensity, with an abrupt onset and rapid decay.
Intrusive Noise. The alleged offensive noise that intrudes over and above the existing ambient noise at the receptor property.
Mobile Noise Source. A noise source other than a fixed noise source.
Noise Disturbance. An alleged intrusive noise that violates an applicable noise standard of this chapter. Noise Histogram. A graphical representation of the distribution of frequency of occurrence of all noise levels near and far measured over a given period of time.
Noise Level (LN). The noise level expressed in decibels that exceeds the specified (L,) value a percentage of total time measured. For example, an L25 noise level means that noise level that is exceeded twenty-five (25) percent of the time measured.
Noise-Sensitive Area. An area designated for the purpose of ensuring exceptional quiet (e.g.. around hospitals, nursing homes, libraries, and similar uses).
Noise Zone. A defined area of a generally consistent land use.
Pure Tone Noise. A sound that can be judged as audible as a single pitch or a set of single pitches by the code enforcement officer. For the purposes of this chapter, a pure tone shall exist if the one-third octave band sound pressure level in the band with the tone exceeds the arithmetic average of the sound-pressure levels of the two contiguous one-third octave bands by five dB for center frequencies of five hundred (500) Hertz and above, and by eight dB for center frequencies between one hundred sixty (160) and four hundred (400) Hertz, and by fifteen (15) dB for center frequencies less than or equal to one hundred twenty-five (125) Hertz.
Sound Level Meter. An instrument, including a microphone, an amplifier, an output meter and frequency weighting network, for the measurement of sound levels, that satisfies the requirements pertinent for Type S2A meters in American National Standards Institute specifications for sound level meters.
Vibration. The minimum ground or structure-borne vibrational motion necessary to cause a normal person to be aware of the vibration including, but not limited to, sensation by touch or visual observations of moving objects. The perception threshold shall be presumed to be a motion velocity of 0.01 in/sec over the range of one to one hundred (100) Hertz.
Weekday. Any day. Monday through Friday, that is not a legal holiday.
(Ord. 182 § 2 (part), 1997)
The code enforcement officer shall have primary responsibility for the enforcement of the noise regulations contained in this chapter. The code enforcement officer shall make all noise-level measurements required for the enforcement of this chapter.
(Ord. 182 § 2 (part), 1997)
In the event of an initial violation of the provisions of this chapter, a written notice of violation shall be given the alleged violator. specifying the time by which the condition shall be corrected or an application for a permit or variance shall be filed. No further action shall be taken if the cause of the violation has been removed, the condition abated, or fully corrected within the time period specified in the written notice.
(Ord. 182 § 2 (part), 1997)
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