For the purpose of this chapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
AGRICULTURAL PROPERTY. Land zoned for agricultural use.
AMBIENT NOISE LEVEL. The composite of noise from all sources excluding the alleged offensive noise. In this context it represents the normal or existing level of environmental noise at a given location for a specified time of the day or night.
A-WEIGHTED SOUND LEVEL. The sound level in decibels as measured with a sound level meter using the A-weighted network (scale) at slow meter response. The unit measurement is referred to herein as dB(A) or dBA.
CONSTRUCTION. Construction, erection, enlargement, alteration, conversion or movement of any building, structures or land together with any scientific surveys associated therewith.
DECIBEL. A unit for measuring the amplitude of a sound equal to twenty times the logarithm to the base ten of the ratio of the pressure of the sound measured to the reference pressure, which is twenty micropascals.
EMERGENCY WORK. The use of any machinery, equipment, vehicle, manpower or other activity in a short term effort to protect, or restore safe conditions in the community, or work by private or public utilities when restoring unplanned interruption of utility service.
ENFORCEMENT OFFICER. The City Manager or duly authorized deputy.
EQUIVALENT HOURLY SOUND LEVEL (LEQ). The constant sound level that contains the same total energy as the actual time-varying sound level over a one-hour period.
FIXED NOISE SOURCE. A device or machine which creates sounds while fixed or stationary, including but not limited to residential, agricultural, industrial and commercial machinery and equipment, pumps, fans, compressors, air conditioners, refrigeration equipment, or vehicles operating off the public right-of-way.
HOSPITAL. Any building or portion thereof used for the overnight accommodation and medical care of the sick, injured or infirm persons and includes rest homes and nursing homes.
IMPULSIVE NOISE. A noise of short duration, usually less than one second, with an abrupt onset and rapid decay.
INTRUDING NOISE LEVEL. The sound level created, caused, maintained or originating from an alleged offensive source, measured in decibels, at a specified location while the alleged offensive source is in operation.
MOBILE NOISE SOURCE. Any noise source other than a fixed noise source.
MOTOR VEHICLE. Any car, truck, motorcycle, motor scooter, and any and all self-propelled vehicles, as defined in the California Vehicle Code, including but not limited to mini-bikes and go-carts.
NOISE DISTURBANCE. Any sound which violates the quantitative standards set forth in this chapter.
RESIDENCE. Residential property.
RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY. A parcel of real property which is zoned and developed for residential purposes.
SCHOOL. Public or private institutions conducting regular academic instruction at preschool, kindergarten, elementary, secondary or collegiate levels.
SIMPLE TONE NOISE. Any noise which is distinctly audible as a single pitch (frequency) or set of pitches as determined by the enforcement officer.
SOUND LEVEL METER. An instrument meeting American National Standards Institute Standard S1.4-1971 for Type 1 or Type 2 sound level meters or an instrument and the associated recording and analyzing equipment which will provide equivalent data.
(Ord. 95-04, passed 4-10-95)