For the purpose of this chapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning. All terminology used in this chapter, not defined below, shall be in conformance with applicable publications of the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) or its successor body.
(2003 Code, § 17-101)
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 designed dB(A).
(2003 Code, § 17-101.1)
DECIBEL (dB). A unit for describing the amplitude of 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 micronewtons per square meter.
(2003 Code, § 17-101.2)
EMERGENCY WORK. Any work performed for the purposes of preventing or alleviating physical trauma or property damage threatened or caused by an existing or imminent peril.
(2003 Code, § 17-101.3)
NUISANCE NOISE LEVELS. Noise levels which do not exceed the noise thresholds but create an irritating impact sufficient to disturb an individual’s sleep pattern or the peace and quiet of a residential neighborhood.
(2003 Code, § 17-101.4)
OUTDOOR AMPLIFIED SOUND. Any sound using amplifying equipment whose sound is outside or whose source is inside and the sound propagates to the outside through open doors or windows or other openings in the building.
(2003 Code, § 17-101.5)
SOUND AMPLIFYING EQUIPMENT. Any device for the amplification of the human voice, music, or any other sound, including juke boxes, stereos, and radios.
(2003 Code, § 17-101.6)
SOUND LEVEL. The weighted sound pressure level obtained by the use of a SOUND LEVEL meter and frequency weighting network, such as A, B, or C, as specified in American National Standards Institute Specifications for the SOUND LEVEL meters (ANSI SI.4-1971 or the latest approved version thereof). If the frequency weighting employed is not indicated, the A-weighting shall apply.
(2003 Code, § 17-101.7)
SOUND LEVEL METER. An instrument which includes a microphone, amplifier, RMS detector, integrator, or time average output meter, and weighting network used to measure sound pressure levels.
(2003 Code, § 17-101.8)
SOUND PRESSURE LEVEL. Twenty times the logarithm to the base ten of the ratio of the RMS sound pressure to the reference pressure of 20 micronewtons per square meter.
(2003 Code, § 17-101.9)