§ 20-161. Noise prohibitions and limited sound sources.

(a)

No person shall perform, create, cause or permit a radio, television set, musical instrument or any other device or activity to produce, reproduce or amplify sound at a level which creates a noise disturbance when operated on a motor vehicle.

(b)

Every motor vehicle shall be, at all times, equipped with an exhaust system in good working order and in constant operation to prevent excessive or unusual noise and annoying smoke. (The intent of this provision is that it is necessary to prevent both noise and smoke and either one constitutes a violation.)

(c)

No person shall own, possess or harbor any animal or bird which frequently or for a continued duration emits sounds native to the species which are a noise disturbance. Excepted from the provisions of this subsection are service dogs or assistive animals for persons with disabilities.

(d)

No person shall operate, play or permit the operation or playing of any radio, television, phonograph, drum, musical instrument, sound amplifier or similar device which produces, reproduces or amplifies sound at a level which creates a noise disturbance. Church or clock carillons, bells or chimes, parades or processions, and mobile radio or telephone signal devices are all excepted from the provisions of this subsection.

(e)

No person shall use or operate or permit the use or operation of a power lawn mower, power trimmer or other gasoline or electric powered device intended for mowing or trimming a lawn between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. the following morning if such use or operation creates a noise disturbance as defined in this division.

(f)

No person shall use or operate or permit the use or operation of a gasoline powered lawn mower which does not have a muffler if such use or operation creates a noise disturbance as defined by this division.

(g)

Except in the case of an emergency, no person shall use or operate or permit the use or operation of a power chain saw between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. the following morning if such use or operation creates a noise disturbance as defined in this division.

(h)

No person shall use or operate or permit the use or operation of any solid waste collection and/or hauling equipment between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. the following morning if such use or operation creates a noise disturbance as defined in this division.

(i)

Governmental fire department equipment and devices used by emergency vehicles or by governmental officials or organizations for authorized public purposes are exempt from the provisions of this division.

(j)

No person shall operate, play or permit the operation or playing of any radio, tape deck or player, sound amplifier or similar device which produces, reproduces or amplifies sound in a motor vehicle so as to create a sound 50 or more feet from the device which endangers or injures the welfare, safety or health of a human being, or disturbs a reasonable person of normal sensitivities or devalues or injures personal or real property.

(k)

No person shall make loud or raucous noise in the vicinity of any residence or public building which causes unreasonable distress to the occupants thereof.

(Prior Code, § 52.02)