(A) Continuous sound levels (i.e. sound levels that remain essentially constant during the period of observation or measurement) from a facility or property shall not exceed the maximum limits established in Table 1, as measured at the specified locations.
Table 1
Location Receiving the Noise | Hours of the Day | Maximum Sound Level in A-Weighted Decibels (dBA) |
At a nonresidential lot line | 7:00 a.m to 10:00 p.m. | 74 dBA |
10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. | 69 dBA | |
At a residential lot line | 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. | 70 dBA |
10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. | 65 dBA |
(B) The sound levels identified in Table 1 shall be measured in decibels and A-weighted, with the unit of measurement being designated as dBA. For the purpose of determining dBA’s, the noise shall be measured on the A-weighting scale of a sound level meter that conforms to American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Standard S1.4-1971 “Specifications for Sound Level Meters”, or latest revision. Traffic, aircraft and other background sounds shall be considered in taking noise measurements, when such background sound interferes with the primary noise being measured.
(C) For any source of sound that is of short duration and is non-repetitive, the maximum sound level limits set forth in Table 1 shall be increased by ten dBA from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
(D) For any source of impulsive sound which is of short duration with an abrupt onset and rapid decay (e.g. explosions), the maximum sound level limits set forth in Table 1 shall be increased by ten dBA from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
(E) For any source of an impulsive sound that is repetitive (e.g. hammering), the maximum sound level limits in Table 1 shall be decreased by five dBA from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
(F) Noises from construction activities between 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. shall be exempt from the provision of this chapter. Construction activity means any site preparation, assembly, erection, repair, alteration or similar activity and any associated equipment testing.
(G) The provisions of this chapter do not apply to devices used solely for the purpose of warning, protecting, or alerting the public or some segment thereof, of the existence of an emergency situation or to noise resulting from the performance of emergency work.
(Ord. 09-15, passed 2-1-10)