For the purposes of this chapter, certain terms are defined as follows:
(a) "Sound level," expressed in decibels (dB), means a logarithmic indication of the ratio between the acoustic energy present at a given location and the lowest amount of acoustic energy audible to sensitive human ears and weighted by frequency to account for characteristics of human hearing, as given in the American National Standards Institute Standard S1.1, "Acoustic Terminology," paragraph 2.9, or successor reference. All references to dB in this chapter utilize the A-level weighting scale, abbreviated dBA, measured as set forth in this section.
(b) "Precision sound level meter" means a device for measuring sound level in decibel units within the performance specifications in the American National Standards Institute Standard S1.4, "Specification for Sound Level Meters."
(c) "Noise level" means the maximum continuous sound level or repetitive peak sound level, produced by a source or group of sources as measured with a precision sound level meter. In order to measure a noise level, the controls of the precision sound level meter should be arranged to the setting appropriate to the type of noise being measured.
(d) "Local ambient" means the lowest sound level repeating itself during a six-minute period as measured with a precision sound level meter, using slow response and "A" weighting. The minimum sound level shall be determined with the noise source at issue silent, and in the same location as the measurement of the noise level of the source or sources at issue. However, for purposes of this chapter, in no case shall the local ambient be considered or determined to be less than: (1) Thirty dBA for interior noise in Section 9.10.030(b); (2) Forty dBA in all other sections. If a significant portion of the local ambient is produced by one or more individual identifiable sources which would otherwise be operating continuously during the six-minute measurement period and contributing significantly to the ambient sound level, determination of the local ambient shall be accomplished with these separate identifiable noise sources silent.
(e) "Vehicle" means any device by which any person or property may be propelled, moved, or drawn upon a highway or street.
(f) "Property plane" means a vertical plane including the property line which determines the property boundaries in space.
(g) "Emergencies" mean essential activities necessary to restore, preserve, protect or save lives or property from imminent danger of loss or harm.
(h) "Leaf blower" means any portable machine used to blow leaves, dirt and other debris off sidewalks, driveways, lawns or other surfaces.
(i) "Residential power equipment" means any mechanically powered saw, sander, drill, grinder, generator, lawnmower, hedge trimmer, edger, or any other similar tool or device (other than leaf blowers).
(j) "Residential zone" means all lands located within the following zoning districts: RE, R1, R2, RMD, RM-20, RM-30, and RM-40; "residential zone" also means any lands located within Planned Community (PC) zoning districts actually used for authorized residential purposes. Any zoning district other than those defined as residential zones are classified as non-residential zones for purposes of this chapter.
(k) "Holiday" means and includes New Year's Day (January 1), Martin Luther King Day (the third Monday in January), Washington's Birthday (the third Monday in February), Memorial Day (the last Monday in May), Independence Day (July 4), Labor Day (the first Monday in September), Columbus Day (the second Monday in October), Veteran's Day (November 11), Thanksgiving Day (the fourth Thursday in November), and Christmas Day (December 25).
(Ord. 5460 § 15, 2019: Ord. 4634 § 2 (part), 2000)