For the purpose of this chapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning:
AMBIENT NOISE. The all-encompassing noise level associated with a given environment, being a composite of sounds from all sources, excusing the alleged offensive noise, at the locations and approximate time at which comparison with the alleged offensive noise is to be made.
DATA CENTER. A facility constructed and operated that is engaged in storage, management, processing, and transmission of digital data, including facilities used for cryptocurrency mining, which houses networked computer systems along with supporting equipment such as batteries, back-up power generators, HVAC, and cooling systems.
DECIBEL (dB). A unit for measuring the volume of a sound, equal to 20 times to the base 10 of the ratio of the pressure of the sound measured to the referenced pressure, which is 20 micropascals (20 micronewtons per square meter).
MECHANICAL EQUIPMENT. The networked computer systems along with supporting equipment such as batteries, backup generators, and cooling systems housed on the data center's property.
NOISE ATTENUATION. The reduction of noise levels through the use of sound-absorbing material, architectural design techniques, and/or any other suitable means.
NOISE DISTURBANCE. Is any sound which:
(1) Endangers or injures the safety or health of humans or animals; or
(2) Annoys or disturbs a reasonable person of normal sensitivities; or
(3) Endangers or injures person or real property.
PERSON. An individual, association, partnership, or corporation, including any officer, employee, department, or agency.
PROPERTY LINE. An imaginary line along the ground surface, and its vertical extension, which separates the real property owned by one person from that owned by another person, but not including intra-building real property divisions.
SOUND. An oscillation in pressure, particle displacement, particle velocity or other physical parameter, in a medium with internal forces that causes compression and rarefaction of that medium. The description of sound may include any characteristic of such sound, including duration, intensity, and frequency.
SOUND LEVEL. The weighted sound pressure level obtained by the use of S sound level meter and frequency weighting network, such as A, B, or C as specified in American National Standards Institute specifications for sound level meters (ANSI SI. 4-1971, or the latest approved revision thereof). If the frequency weighting employed is not indicated, the A-weighting shall apply.
SOUND LEVEL METER. An instrument which includes a microphone, an amplifier, RMS detector, integrator, or time averager, output meter, and weighting networks used to measure sound pressure levels.
(Ord. 2023-18, passed 7-18-23)