The following are exempt from the provisions of this chapter:
(A) Noise associated with ongoing business activity (except those activities outlined in § 132.01(B)(2) of this chapter dealing with music and voice transmission) in existence as of the date of the adoption of this chapter shall be permitted to the extent that such noise remains substantially similar in nature or is reduced. The burden shall be on said business to establish its preexisting nature and noise intensity. However, such ongoing business exception shall not apply during the hours of 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. The intent of the foregoing business exception is to permit ordinary, orderly business operations and to discourage complaints from those that have relocated to an area of existing noise;
(B) Noises of safety signals, warning devices, church bells, clock chimes and ventilation equipment;
(C) Noise resulting from any authorized emergency vehicle when responding to an emergency call or acting in time of emergency;
(D) Unamplified or amplified sound at street fairs, street festivals or other outdoor activity authorized or conducted by the county;
(E) Noises coming from the normal operation of properly equipped motor vehicles; provided that, the manufacturer’s standard mufflers and noise reducing equipment are in place. Excluded from this exception are noises from cooling compressors on over-the-road trailers parked in residential areas;
(F) Noise from lawful fireworks or noise makers on holidays or religious ceremonies;
(G) Lawn mowers and landscape maintenance equipment used between the hours of daybreak and 9:00 p.m. when operated with all manufacturer’s standard mufflers and noise reducing equipment in use and in proper operating condition;
(H) Noise resulting from the provision of government services; and
(I) Noise resulting from bona fide farming operations, specifically including, but not limited to, the operation of irrigation equipment or machinery as well as all forms of engines that could be used for normal farming practices, including engines that generate power, pump water or run tillage equipment. Bona fide farming operations shall defined as those commercial activities listed in G.S. § 106-581.1.
(Ord. passed 9-5-1995; Ord. passed 9-4-2018)