1. Maximum Permissible Sound Levels. With the exception of sound levels elsewhere specifically authorized or allowed in this chapter, the following are the maximum permissible sound levels allowed at or within the real property boundary of a receiving land use:
Table 1. Sound Levels by Receiving Land Use
Zoning Category of Receiving Land Use | Time | Sound Level Limit, dBa |
R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4 Residential | 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. | 60 |
10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. | 50 | |
TC, CC, GC, UC | at all times | 65 |
LI | 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. | 65 |
10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. | 55 | |
Noise Sensitive Areas | at all times | 55 |
A. Violation. For the purposes of this chapter, sound levels in excess of the dBa listed in Table 1 above shall be deemed a violation.
B. Correction for Character of Sound. For any source of sound which emits a pure tone, the maximum sound level limits set forth above shall be reduced by 5 dBa.
2. The provisions of this section do not apply to:
B. The operation of the following domestic power tools of equipment between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m.
(1) Electrical power tools actually being used for their intended purpose.
(2) Motor-powered, muffler-equipped lawn, garden and tree trimming equipment actually being used for their intended purpose.
3. Immediate Threats.
A. The City Administrator shall order an immediate halt to any sound that exposes any person, except those specifically exempted by this chapter, to continuous sound levels in excess of those shown in Table 2 or to impulsive sound levels in excess of those shown in Table 3. If the sound has not abated within a reasonable length of time following issuance of such an order, the City Administrator may apply to the appropriate court for an injunction to replace the order or may treat the violation in the manner of other Code violations.
B. No order under paragraph A hereof shall be issued if the only person exposed to sound levels in excess of those listed in Tables 2 and 3 is exposed as a result of (i) trespass, (ii) invitation upon private property by the person causing or permitting the sound, or (iii) employment by the person or contractor of the person causing or permitting the sound.
C. Any person subject to an order issued pursuant to paragraph A hereof shall comply with such order until: (i) the sound is brought into compliance with the order as determined by the City Administrator; or (ii) a judicial order has superseded such order.
Table 2. Continuous Sound Levels that
Pose an Immediate Threat to Health and Welfare
Pose an Immediate Threat to Health and Welfare
(Measured at 50 Feet)
Sound Level Limit (dBa) | Duration |
Sound Level Limit (dBa) | Duration |
90 | 24 hours |
93 | 12 hours |
96 | 6 hours |
99 | 3 hours |
102 | 1.5 hours |
105 | 45 minutes |
108 | 22 minutes |
D. Correction for Character of Sound. For any source of sound which emits a pure tone, the maximum sound level limits set forth hereinabove shall be reduced by 5 dBa.
E. Varying Sound Level. Where the sound level (dBa) varies over the measuring period, the equivalent A-weighted (average) sound level (L
eq
) shall be determined by figuring the time and intensity levels for time periods set out in Tables 2 and 3.
Table 3. Impulsive Sound Levels that
Pose an Immediate Threat To Health and Welfare
Pose an Immediate Threat To Health and Welfare
(Measured at 50 Feet)
Sound Level Limit (Db) | Number of Repetitions Per 24-Hour Period |
140 | 1 |
130 | 10 |
120 | 100 |