(A) Generally. The following exceptions may be considered from the provisions of this chapter.
(B) Specifically.
(1) Sound emanating from regularly scheduled outdoor athletic events on the campuses of local schools and/or permitted sport/local government recreation departments/athletic complexes;
(2) Construction activities from 7:00 a.m. to sunset for which building permits have been issued or for construction operations not requiring permits; provided that all equipment is operated with mufflers or other noise-reducing equipment as recommended by the equipment manufacturer's instructions;
(3) Noises of safety signals, warning devices, emergency pressure relief valves, and all church bells;
(4) Noises resulting from any authorized emergency vehicle when responding to any emergency call or acting in time of emergency;
(5) Any other noise resulting from activities of temporary duration permitted by law, and for which a license or permit has been granted by the town in accordance with this section. Regulations of noises emitting from operations under permit shall be according to the conditions and limits stated on the permit and consistent with this section;
(6) Unamplified and amplified sound at street festivals and parades, lawful picketing or other public demonstration protected by the U.S. Constitution or Federal law, or for which a local permit has been granted or sanctioned by the town pursuant to this section;
(7) All noises coming from the normal operations of properly equipped aircraft (but not scale model aircraft or other types of model flying aircraft;
(8) All noise coming from normal operation of motor vehicles properly equipped with the mufflers according to the motor vehicle manufacturer's specifications and in good working order;
(9) Noise from lawful fireworks and noisemakers on legal holidays and at religious ceremonies;
(10) Lawn mowers, agricultural equipment, and landscape maintenance equipment used between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and sunset when operated with mufflers or other noise-reducing equipment as recommended by the equipment manufacturer's instructions;
(11) Musical accompaniment or firearm discharge related to military ceremonies;
(12) Sound amplification equipment used in conjunction with telecommunications systems on business properties to notify employees of that business incoming phone calls, provided that this system be used only between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m. and that any speakers attached to the system be oriented toward the interior of the property;
(13) Emergency work necessary to restore property to a safe condition following a fire, accident or natural disaster, or to restore public utilities, or to protect persons or property from an imminent danger;
(14) Noises resulting from the provision of government services and military operations and exercise;
(15) Normal and customary sounds emanating from a non-recurring community event conducted by a governmental entity, school, church or similar noncommercial entity will not be considered noises or activities that violate this ordinance, so long as the event with which the noise is associated begins no earlier than 6:00 a.m. and ends no later than 10:00 p.m. For the purposes of this division, non-recurring shall refer to an event which occurs no more than four times during any calendar year. However, an event can lose its status as a community event under this section if multiple complaints from different sources are received about the noise level emanating from the event, and upon investigation, the police determine that the noise levels at the property boundary of the property upon which the event is conducted closest to the noise source, or with respect to events such as parades which utilize public right-of-way. If an event loses its status as a “community event” it shall no longer enjoy the presumption under this section that it does not violate the chapter.
(Ord. 2019-O2, passed 2-12-19)