For the purpose of this chapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
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 designated dB(A) or dBA.
DAYTIME HOURS. The hours between 7:00 a.m. on one day and 10:00 p.m. the same day.
DECIBELS. The intensity of a sound expressed in decibels read from a calibrated sound level meter utilizing the A level weighting and the slow meter response, as specified by the applicable publications of the American National Standards Institute or its successor body.
EMERGENCY. Any occurrence or set of circumstances involving actual or imminent physical trauma or property damage or less which demands immediate action
EMERGENCY WORK. Any work performed for the purpose of preventing or alleviating the physical trauma or property damage threatened or caused by an emergency, or which is otherwise necessary to restore property to a safe condition following a fire, accident or natural disaster, or which is required to protect persons or property from exposure to danger, or which is required to restore public utilities.
NIGHTTIME HOURS. The hours between 10:00 p.m. on one day and 7:00 a.m. the following day.
NONRESIDENTIAL PROPERTY. Any real property within the limits of the city which is not included in the definition of residential property as defined in this section.
PERSON. Any individual, association, partnership or corporation.
PROPERTY LINE. The line along the ground surface, and its vertical extension, which separates the real property owned, leased or occupied by one person from that owned, leased or occupied by any other person and the imaginary line which represents the legal limits of property of any person who owns, leases or otherwise occupies an apartment, condominium, hotel or motel room, office or any other type of occupancy.
PUBLIC RIGHT-OF-WAY. Any street, avenue, boulevard, highway, road, thoroughfare, sidewalk, alley or any other property that is owned or controlled by a governmental activity.
RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY. Any real property developed and used for human habitation and which contains living facilities, including provisions for sleeping, eating, cooking and sanitation, unless the premises are actually occupied and used primarily for purposes other than human habitation.
SOUND NUISANCE. Sound which either exceeds the maximum permitted sound level specified in the Tex. Penal Code § 42.01(C)(2) or otherwise unreasonably disturbs, injures or endangers the comfort, repose, health, peace or safety of persons with ordinary sensibilities within the limits of the city.
SOUND LEVEL METER. An instrument that includes a microphone, amplifier, RMS detector, integrator or time averages, output meter, and weighting network used to measure sound pressure levels.
(Ord. 1257, passed 5-6-2004)