The following exceptions shall be allowed between the hours of 6:00 a.m. and 10:30 p.m. in residential or commercial land use zones. These uses and activities are not required to obtain a sound permit unless otherwise stated:
(a) School events. School outdoor concerts and music activities including marching band activities, sporting activities with musical components, art festivals and student fund-raisers;
(b) Religious events. Religious organizations conducting worship services outdoors;
(c) City-sponsored events. The city, including, but not limited to, parks and recreation department-sponsored activities;
(d) Private events in city parks. Private events in city parks with a duration of one hour or less;
(e) Construction work. Operating, or causing to be used or operated, any equipment used in construction, repair alteration or demolition work on buildings, structures, streets, alleys or appurtenances in any land use district where the operation causes a sound pressure level no more than 75 dbA measured at a distance of 50 feet;
(f) Domestic power equipment. Operating or permitting to be operated any power equipment rated five horsepower or less used for home or building repair or grounds maintenance, including, but not limited to, a power saw, sander, lawn mower or garden equipment in residential or commercial zones at a sound pressure no more than 75 dbA measured at a distance of 50 feet;
(g) Commercial power equipment. Operating or permitting to be operated any power equipment, except construction equipment used for construction activities, rated more than five horsepower, including, but not limited to chain saws, pavement breakers, log chippers or powered hand tools in residential or commercial land use districts at a sound level no more than 82 dbA measured at a distance of 50 feet;
(h) Refuse compacting vehicles or units. Operating or permitting to be operated or used any refuse compacting vehicle or unit at a sound level no more than 75 dbA measured at a distance of 50 feet; and
(i) Permits. Permits approved by the health director or his or her designated agent.
(1992 Code, § 25.5-5.5) (Ord. 6-10, passed 2-10-2010)