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-weighted network. The level so read is designated dB(A) or dBA.
CONTINUOUS SOUND. A sound the intensity of which remains essentially constant during a given period of time. CONTINUOUS SOUND shall be measured by the slow response setting of a sound level meter.
DBA (DECIBEL-A-WEIGHTED). Sound pressure level as measured on the “A” scale of a sound level meter manufactured in accordance with the specifications of the American National Standards Institute, Inc. (ANSI), Type 2, ANSI-SI.4 (1971). Unless otherwise noted, measurements shall be made in the slow response mode of the meter.
DECIBEL (dB). A unit of sound pressure, equal to 20 times the logarithm to the base 10 of the ration of the pressure of the sound measured to the reference pressure, which is 20 micropascals (20 micronewtons per square meter).
NOISE. Any sound which annoys or disturbs humans or which causes or tends to cause an adverse psychological effect on humans.
NOISE DISTURBANCE. Any sound which:
(1) Endangers or injures the safety or health of humans or animals;
(2) Annoys or disturbs a reasonable person of normal sensitivities;
(3) Endangers or injures personal or real property; or
(4) Exceeds the applicable maximum permissible sound levels as set forth in this chapter.
REAL PROPERTY BOUNDARY. 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 it does not include intra-building real property divisions.
SOUND. Vibratory disturbance (including an oscillation) in the pressure and/or density of a liquid or gas or in the particular displacement of a solid or liquid. The disturbance takes place at a rate between approximately 20 and 20,000 hertz (cycles per second); and the physiological perception of a vibration of displacement.
SOUND AMPLIFYING EQUIPMENT. Any machine or device for the amplification of the human voice, music or any other sound. SOUND AMPLIFYING EQUIPMENT, as used herein, shall not be construed as including standard automobile radio when used and heard only by occupants of the vehicle in which installed or warning devices on authorized emergency vehicles or horns or other warning devices on other vehicles used only for traffic safety purposes.
SOUND LEVEL. That which is measured in the “A” weighting network on a sound level meter unless otherwise specified.
SOUND LEVEL METER. The instrument, meeting the requirements of ANSI SI.4-1971 Type II rating, used for making sound level measurements.
SOUND PRESSURE. The instantaneous difference between the actual pressure and the average or barometric pressure at a given point in space, as produced by sound energy.
SOUND PRESSURE LEVEL. The intensity in decibels (dB) of a sound.
(Ord. 980707, passed 7-7-1998)