(a) Unreasonable loud noise prohibited. It shall be unlawful for any person, firm or corporation to create or assist in creating, permit, continue, or permit the continuance of any unreasonably loud, disturbing and unnecessary noise in the city. Noise of such character, intensity and duration as to be detrimental to the life or health of any individual is prohibited.
(b) Noises expressly prohibited. The following acts, among others, are declared to be loud disturbing and unnecessary noises in violation of this section, but such enumeration shall not be deemed to exclusive, namely:
(1) The sounding of any horn or signal device or any device on any automobile, motorcycle, bus, or other vehicle while not in motion, except as a danger signal if another vehicle is approaching apparently out of control, or if in motion only as a danger signal after or as brakes are being applied and declaration of the vehicle is intended; the creation by means of any such signal device of any unreasonable loud or harsh sound; and the sounding of such device for an unnecessary and unreasonable period of time;
(2) The use of any gong or siren upon any vehicle, other than police, fire or other emergency vehicle;
(3) The keeping of any animal or bird which by causing frequent or long continued noise shall disturb the comfort and repose of any person in the vicinity;
(4) The use or operation of any piano, manual or automatic, phonograph, radio, loud speaker, or any other instrument, or sound amplifying devices so loudly as to disturb persons in the vicinity thereof, or in such a manner as renders the same a public nuisance;
(5) The use of any automobile, motorcycle or other vehicle so out of repair, so loaded or in such manner as to create loud or unnecessary grating, grinding, rattling or other noise;
(6) The blowing of any steam whistle attached to any stationary boiler except to give notice of the time to begin or stop work or as a warning of danger;
(7) The discharge into the open air of the exhaust of any steam engine, stationary internal combustion engine, motor vehicle except through a muffler or other device which will effectively prevent loud or explosive noises therefrom;
(8) The use of any mechanical device operated by compressed air unless the noise created thereby is effectively muffled or reduced;
(9) The erection (including excavation), demolition, alteration or repair of any building in a residential or business district other than between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m., except in the case of urgent necessity in the interest of public safety and then only with a permit from the City Clerk, which permit may be renewed for a period of three days or less while the emergency continues;
(10) The creation for any excessive noise on any street adjacent to any school, institution of learning, or court while the same are in session, or within 150 feet of any hospital, which unreasonably interferes with the working of such institution, provided, conspicuous signs are displayed in such streets indicating that the same is a school, court or hospital street, without receiving a permit for the same, and notification of the city;
(11) The creation of any excessive noise on Sundays on any street adjacent to any church provided conspicuous signs are displayed in such streets adjacent to churches indicating that the same is a church street;
(12) The creation of loud and excessive noise in connection with loading or unloading any vehicle, of the opening and destruction of bales, boxes, crates and containers;
(13) The sounding of any bell or gong attached to any building or premises which disturbs the quiet peace of the neighborhood;
(14) The use of any drum, loud speaker or other instrument or device for the purpose of attracting attention by creation of noise to any performance, show or sale or display of merchandise;
(15) The use of any mechanical loud speakers or amplifiers on trucks or other moving vehicles for advertising purposes or other purposes except where specific license is received from the Board;
(16) The conducting, operating or maintaining of any garage or filling station in any residential district so as to cause loud or offensive noises to be emitted therefrom between the hours of 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m.; and
(17) The firing or discharging of squibs, crackers, gunpowder or other combustible substance in the streets or elsewhere for the purpose of making noise or disturbance.
(c) Firearms regulated. It shall be unlawful for any person to discharge any firearm of any type within the corporate limits except a peace officer in the performance of his or her duty, or other persons in self-defense or in the protection of property.
(d) Posting bills: other advertising. No person shall stick, paint, brand, stamp, write, or put upon any house, fence, wall, pavement, post or upon any property, owned by any person, firm, or corporation, or owned by the city, any printed, written, painted or other advertisement, bill, notice, sign or poster, without first having obtained the permission of the owner of such property.
(e) Firebombs and “Molotov cocktails” prohibited.
(1) For the purpose of this section, the following terms shall have the meanings herein ascribed.
A. “Molotov cocktail” is defined as any breakable container or any container which is designed in such a manner that upon being propelled it will at impact empty its contents, which is filled with a flammable fluid or substance, and which is fitted with a fuse or wick.
B. “Firebomb” is defined as any type of object designed or constructed so that upon being propelled it will explode or ignite its area of impact.
(2) Prohibited acts. It shall be unlawful for any person or persons to manufacture, possess, transport or use any Molotov cocktail or other firebomb.
(3) Possession of materials restricted. It shall be unlawful for any person or group of persons to possess all the items or materials needed to manufacture Molotov cocktails or other firebombs, other than on his, her or their premises.
(f) Quiet zones. The creation of any excessive noise on any street adjacent to any school, institution of learning, library or sanitarium, or court while the same is in session, or within 150 feet of any hospital, which unreasonably interferes with the working of such institutions; provided, that conspicuous signs are displayed in such streets indicating that the same is a school, court or hospital street, shall be deemed a violation of this article.
(g) Penalties. Any person violating this section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and if found guilty of such misdemeanor, is punishable upon conviction by a fine not exceeding $100, or another such amount as set by Council from time to time.
(Ord. passed 8-23-1989; Ord. passed 8-8-2017)