ARTICLE IV. PERSONAL AND COMMERCIAL ACTIVITIES

DIVISION 1. REGULATIONS OF BEHAVIOR OF INDIVIDUALS

Sec. 17-59. Noise regulation.

(a) Prohibition. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Code, and in addition thereto, it shall be unlawful for any person to willfully or negligently make or continue, or cause to be made or continued, in or into a public area any loud, unnecessary or unusual noise which disturbs the peace and quiet of any adjoining neighborhood or which causes any discomfort or annoyance to any reasonable person of normal sensitivity residing nearby or lawfully using the public area.

(b) Measure of noise limits. In addition to the prohibition in paragraph (a) above, no person shall operate or cause to be operated in or into a public area any source of sound in such a manner as to exceed the levels set forth below when measured at a distance of at least six feet (6') from such source:

Time Period Noise Level (in decibels)
7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. 67
10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. 57

(c) Noise measurement procedure. Utilizing the "A" weighting scale of a Type II sound level meter and the "slow" meter response, the noise level shall be measured at any point which is at least six feet (6') from the sound source.

(d) Exemptions. The provisions of paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section shall not apply to occasional outdoor gatherings, public dances, shows, and sporting and entertainment events, provided such events are conducted pursuant to a permit or license issued by the appropriate governing official relative to the staging of such events.

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