(A) (1) Noise measurements shall be made at the property line of the property where the noise to be measured is being generated. If measurement on private property is not possible or practical, noise measurements may be made at the boundary of the public right-of-way which adjoins the complaining property. Such noise measurements shall be made at a height of at least four feet above the ground and at a point approximately ten feet away from walls, barriers, and obstructions (e.g., trees, bushes, and the like), on a sound level meter operated on the “A” weighting network (scale).
(2) In the case of noises within multi-family or multi-tenanted structures, noise measurements shall be made in the complaining unit at a height of at least four feet above the floor and at a point approximately equidistant from all walls on a sound level meter operated on the “A” weighting network (scale).
(B) No individual other than the operators shall be within ten feet of the sound level meter during the sample period.
(C) Sound measurements shall be conducted at that time of day or night when the suspect noise source is emitting sound.
(D) The sound level measurement shall be determined as follows:
(1) Calibrate the sound level meter within one hour before use;
(2) Set the sound level meter on the “A” weighting network (scale) at slow response;
(3) Set the omni-directional microphone in an approximate 70-degree position in a location which complies with divisions (A) and (B) above. The operator of the sound level meter shall face the noise source and record the meter’s instantaneous response (reading) observed at consecutive ten-second intervals until 100 readings are obtained; and
(4) Re-calibrate the sound level meter after use.
(E) It shall be unlawful for any person to interfere, through the use of sound or otherwise, with the taking of sound level measurements.
(F) HILU facilities shall not be subject to decibel reading measurements during HILU daytime hours. However, any such reading taken and showing impermissible levels before or after HILU daytime hours shall be evidence per se of such facility’s violation of this subchapter and the burden shall immediately shift to the HILU facility to show it is not in violation of this subchapter.
(Ord. passed 1-3-2011) Penalty, see § 91.99