(A) Prohibited acts. The following acts, uses, or noises, among others, subject to specific exemptions, are declared to be loud, raucous, or disturbing noises in violation of this chapter. Such enumeration shall not be deemed to be exclusive:
(1) Using, operating, or permitting to be played, used, or operated any machine or device for the producing or reproducing of sound in such manner as to disturb peace, quiet, and comfort of the neighboring inhabitants or at any time with louder volume than is necessary for convenient hearing for the person who is in the room, vehicle, or property in which such machine or device is operated and who is a voluntary listener.
(2) Using, operating, or permitting the use or operation of any machine, instrument, or device capable of producing or reproducing of sound which is cast upon other properties, including the public right-of-way for the purpose of commercial advertising or to attract attention to any activity, performance, sale, place, or structure.
(3) Using, operating, or permitting the use or operation of any machine, instrument, or device capable of producing or reproducing any sound on any public transportation vehicle.
(4) Using, operating, or permitting to be played, used, or operated any machine or device for the producing or reproducing of sound on any public right-of-way adjacent to any school, institution of higher learning, church, or court while the same are in use, or adjacent to any medical facility which unreasonably interferes with the working of such institution, or which unduly disturbs patients in the medical facility.
(B) Prohibited noise. No person shall play, use, or permit to be played, used, or operated any machine or device for the producing or reproducing of sound, if it is in or on any of the following:
(1) Any public property, including any public right-of-way, highway, building, sidewalk, park, or thoroughfare, if the sound generated is audible at a distance of 30 feet from its source.
(2) Any motor vehicle on a public right-of-way, highway, or public space, if the sound generated is audible at a distance of 30 feet from the device producing the sound.
(C) Exemptions. The following shall be exempted from the provisions of this chapter:
(1) Sound emitted from sirens of authorized emergency vehicles.
(2) Lawn mowers, garden tractors, and similar home power tools when properly muffled, between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m.
(3) Burglar alarms or other warning devices when properly installed on publicly or privately owned property, provided that the cause for such alarm or warning device sound is investigated and turned off within a reasonable period of time.
(4) Celebrations on legal holidays.
(5) Permitted parades or festivals.
(6) Attendant noise connected with the actual performance of athletic or sporting events and practices related to them.
(7) The emission of sound for the purposes of alerting persons to the existence of an emergency or for the performance of emergency work.
(8) Sounds associated with the normal conduct of a legally established non-transient business within the normal range appropriate for such use.
(9) In the case of motor vehicles, where the noise is the result of a defective or modified exhaust system, if the cause is repaired or otherwise remedied within seven calendar days.
(Ord. 1996-06, passed 8-13-96) Penalty, see § 97.99