For purposes of this chapter the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
A-WEIGHTED SOUND LEVEL. The sound pressure 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.
AUDIBLE AND DISCERNABLE. The sound can be heard by the human ear, and the sound is sufficiently distinct such that its source can be clearly identified.
BACKGROUND NOISE LEVEL. The aggregate of all sound sources impacting at the place where a specific sound generation is measured or evaluated, excluding the specific sound generation itself.
DECIBEL (dB). A unit for measuring the volume of a sound, equal to 20 times the logarithm to
the base ten of the ratio of the pressure of the sound measured to the reference pressure, which is 20 micropascals (20 micronewtons per square meter).
EMERGENCY. Any occurrence or set of circumstances involving actual or imminent physical injury or illness or property damage that requires immediate action.
EMERGENCY WORK. Any work performed for the purpose of preventing or alleviating the physical injury or illness or property damage threatened or caused by an emergency.
GROSS VEHICLE WEIGHT RATING (GVWR). The value specified by the manufacturer as the recommended maximum loaded weight of a single motor vehicle. In cases where trailers and tractors are separable, the gross combination weight rating (GCWR), which is the value specified by the manufacturer as the recommended maximum loaded weight of the combination vehicle, shall be used.
INSTRUMENT, MACHINE OR DEVICE. Means and refers to any musical instrument, radio, phonograph, compact disc player, cassette tape player, amplifier or any other machine or device for producing, reproducing or amplification of sound.
MOPED.
(1) Every vehicle that travels on not more than three wheels in contact with the ground that:
(a) Has a seat that is no less than 24 inches in height, measured from the middle of the seat perpendicular to the ground;
(b) Has a gasoline, electric, or hybrid motor that:
1. Displaces 50 cubic centimeters or less; or
2. Has an input of 1500 watts or less;
(c) Is power-driven, with or without pedals that allow propulsion by human power; and
(d) Is not operated at speeds in excess of 35 miles per hour.
(2) A moped shall be a motorcycle when operated at speeds in excess of 35 miles per hour.
MOTOR CARRIER VEHICLE ENGAGED IN INTERSTATE COMMERCE. Any vehicle for which regulations apply pursuant to section 18 of the Federal Noise Control Act of 1972 (P.L. 92-574), as amended, pertaining to motor carriers engaged in interstate commerce.
MOTORCYCLE. Any motor vehicle designed to travel on not more than three wheels in contact with the ground and any four-wheeled vehicle weighing less than 500 pounds and equipped with an engine of less than six horsepower, excepting farm tractors.
MOTORIZED SKATEBOARD OR SCOOTER. Every vehicle, regardless of the number of its wheels in contact with the ground, that:
(1) Has no seat, but is designed to be stood upon by the operator;
(2) Has no manufacturer-issued vehicle identification number; and
(3) Is powered by a gasoline engine that displaces less than 36 cubic centimeters.
MOTOR VEHICLE. Any self-propelled device or device designed for self-propulsion, upon or by which any person or property is or may be drawn or transported upon a street or highway, except devices moved by human power or used exclusively upon stationary wheels or tracks.
NOISE. Any audible sound which disturbs or tends to disturb humans or which causes or tends to cause an adverse psychological or physiological effect on humans.
PUBLIC AREA. Any real property owned by the government, including, but not limited to, public rights-of-way, sidewalks, parks, and buildings.
RESIDENTIAL DWELLING. Any building or other structure in which one or more persons resides on a permanent or temporary basis, including, but not limited to, houses, apartments, condominiums, hotels, and motels.
SOUND. An oscillation in pressure, particle displacement, particle velocity or other physical parameter, in a medium with internal forces that causes compression and rarefaction of that medium. The description of sound may include any characteristic of such sound, including duration, intensity and frequency.
SOUND GENERATION. Any conduct, activity or operation, whether human, mechanical, electronic or other, and whether continuous, intermittent or sporadic, and whether stationary or ambulatory in nature, which produces or results in an audible sound.
SOUND LEVEL. The weighted sound pressure level obtained by the use of a sound level meter and the A-frequency weighting network, as specified in American National Standards Institute specifications for sound level meters.
SOUND LEVEL METER. An instrument which includes a microphone, amplifier, RMS detector, integrator or time averager, output meter and weighting networks used to measure sound pressure levels.
(Ord. passed 8-12-2014)