§ 16-41. Definitions.

For the purpose of this article, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning:

Decibel (dB) means a unit for measuring the volume of a sound, equal to twenty (20) times the logarithm to the base ten (10) of the ratio of the pressure of the sound measured to the referenced pressure, which is twenty (20) micropascals (twenty (20) micronewtons per square meter).

Emergency means any occurrence or set of circumstances involving actual or imminent physical trauma or property damage which demands immediate action.

Emergency work means any work performed for the purpose of preventing or alleviating the physical trauma or property damage threatened or caused by an emergency.

Noise disturbance means any sound which:

(1)

Endangers or injures the safety or health of humans or animals; or

(2)

Annoys or disturbs a reasonable person of normal sensitivities; or

(3)

Endangers or injures personal or real property.

Plainly audible means any sound produced by the use of an amplification device, radio, television, phonograph, drum, musical instrument or similar device which produces, reproduces, or amplifies sound and which sound clearly can be heard at a distance of one hundred fifty (150) or more feet. The measurement standard shall be by the auditory senses, based on direct line of sight. Words or phrases need not be discernible and bass reverberations are included.

Sound level means the weighted sound pressure level obtained by the use of a sound level meter and frequency weighing network, such as A, B, or C as specified in the American National Standards Institute's specifications for sound level meters. If the frequency weighing employed is not indicated, the A-weighing shall apply.

Sound level meter means an instrument which includes a microphone, amplifier, RMS detector, integrator or time average, or output meter, and weighing network used to measure sound pressure levels.

Sound pressure level means twenty (20) times the logarithm to the base ten (10) of the ratio of the RMS sound pressure to reference pressure of twenty (20) micropascals (20 × 10-6 N/m2).

Transient sound source means noise, the source of which is lawn equipment, an implement of husbandry, a domestic power tool, or the temporary repairing of a damaged domicile to maintain its habitability. Also, the temporary repairing of a motor vehicle to maintain its safe operability.

(Ord. No. 92-09, 10-6-09)