§ 14-29. Noise; definitions.
In addition to the common meanings of words, the following definitions shall be used in interpreting sections 14-29 through 14-38 of this Code:
"A" weighting scale means the sound pressure level, in decibels, as measured with the sound level meter using the "A" weighted network (scale). The standard unit notation is dB(A).
Ambient base noise level means the average sound pressure level in dB(A) during a reasonable period of time, as determined by employing a sound level meter as described in section 14-30 and excluding impulsive sounds.
ANSI means the American National Standards Institute or its successor bodies.
Construction means on-site erection, fabrication, installation, alteration, demolition or removal of any structure, facility or addition thereto, including all related activities including, but not restricted to, clearing of land, earth moving, blasting and landscaping.
Daytime hours means from 7:00 a.m. until 10:00 p.m., local time.
dB(A) means the sound level in decibels, determined by the "A" weighting scale of a standard sound level meter having characteristics defined by the American National Standards Institute, Publication ANSI, § 1.4-1983, for a Type 2 instrument.
Decibel (dB) means a unit of measure, on a logarithmic scale, of the ratio of the magnitude of a particular sound pressure to a standard reference pressure, which for purposes of sections 14-29 through 14-38 shall be 0.0002 microbars.
Emergency work means work made necessary to restore property to a safe condition, work required to protect, provide or prevent persons or property from danger or potential danger; or work by private or public utilities when restoring utility service.
Nighttime hours means after 10:00 p.m. and until before 7:00 a.m., local time.
Person means any individual, corporation, partnership, firm, association, trust, estate, public or private institution, group, agency, political subdivision of this state, any other state or political subdivision or agency thereof or any legal successor, representative, agent or agency of the foregoing.
Sound level means, in decibels, a weighted sound pressure level determined by the use of a sound level meter whose characteristics and frequency weightings are specified in ANSI standards.
Sound level meter means any instrument which meets the requirements for an ANSI Type I or Type II sound level meter.
Sound-magnifying device means any device or machine for the magnification of a human voice, music or any other sound. "Sound-magnifying device" shall not include emergency warning devices on police, fire, ambulance or other emergency vehicles, nor shall it include horns or steam whistles which are used for purposes authorized by section 14-34.
Sound pressure level means, in decibels, 20 times the logarithm to the base 10 of the ratio of the magnitude of a particular sound pressure to the standard reference pressure. The standard reference pressure is 0.0002 microbars.
(Ord. of 5-4-93, § 1)
Editor's note
Section 1 of an ordinance adopted May 4, 1993 amended §§ 14-29—14-31 to read as herein set out. Prior to inclusion of said ordinance, §§ 14-29—14-31 pertained to similar subject matter and derived from §§ 12-1 and 12-2 of the Code of 1973.
State law reference
Authority to regulate, restrict or prohibit noises, G.S. 160A-184.