§ 15-183. Measurement or assessment of noise.

(a)

Measurement with a sound level meter .

(1)

Sound shall be measured with an integrating-averaging sound level meter satisfying at least the applicable requirements for a Type 2 meter or better, as specified in the American National Standard Institute publication entitled, "Specifications for Integrating-Averaging Sound Level Meters" designated as ANSI standard S1.43-1997.

(2)

Calibration of all instruments, components, and attachments shall conform to the latest ANSI standards.

(3)

Measurements of sound under this subsection shall be made by individuals trained in a noise measurement program approved by the county.

(4)

Sound shall be measured outdoors, no closer than the nearest noise sensitive zone or residential area property line.

(5)

All sounds shall be measured for a period not less than fifteen (15) minutes in duration, except as provided in subsections (a)(6) and (a)(7).

(6)

Intermittent sounds shall be measured within a sixty-minute period. A minimum five (5) minute Leq of the sound shall be required to evaluate if a violation exists.

(7)

Impulsive sounds shall be measured for only the duration of the sound.

(8)

Except when site conditions are prohibitive, measurements shall be taken at approximately five (5) feet above the ground or water surface and at least five (5) feet away from any obstruction or reflecting surface.

(9)

At sites with background noise levels which are at, or in excess of, the applicable allowable levels of Table 1, the maximum allowable noise level will be three (3) dB above the allowable levels of Table 1, or one (1) dB above background, whichever is greater.

(b)

Assessment of noise without sound level meter.

(1)

No person shall create a sound that is plainly audible at the time and distance requirements set forth in the following Table 2:

TABLE 2

Underlying Land Use Category (from which noise emanates)	Time of Day	Distance
Residential Area	7:00 a.m.—10:00 p.m.	500 feet or more
	10:01 p.m.—6:59 a.m.	150 feet or more
Nonresidential Area	7:00 a.m.—10:00 p.m.	500 feet or more
	10:01 p.m.—6:59 a.m.	300 feet or more

 

(2)

Noise disturbances in violation of subsection 15-183(b)(1) shall be confirmed by the investigating officer. The investigating officer who hears a noise disturbance that may be plainly audible shall assess the noise disturbance by measuring the distance from the property line or right-of-way line of the source of the noise disturbance according to the following standards:

a.

The primary means of detection shall be the investigating officer's normal hearing faculties, provided the investigating officer's hearing is not enhanced by any mechanical or medical device, such as a hearing aid.

b.

The investigating officer shall have a direct line of sight and hearing to the real property that is the source of the noise disturbance so that the investigating officer can identify the offending source of such noise disturbance and the distance involved.

(Code 1965, § 21B-9; Ord. No. 86-26, § 9, 10-27-86; Ord. No. 95-31, § 1, 9-26-95; Ord. No. 2008-19 , § 7, 9-30-08; Ord. No. 2014-17 , § 1, 6-24-14)