§ 8-17. Noise.

(a)

Prohibited when causing distress, discomfort or injury to persons. Any unreasonably loud, disturbing, unnecessary noise in excess of 85 decibels at distance of 50 feet from the property line which causes material distress, discomfort or injury to persons of ordinary sensibilities in the immediate vicinity thereof is hereby declared to be a nuisance and is hereby prohibited.

(b)

Prohibited when interfering with the comfortable enjoyment of a dwelling, hotel or other type of residence. Any noise of such character, intensity and continued duration in excess of 85 decibels at a distance of 50 feet from the property line which substantially interferes with the comfortable enjoyment of a dwelling, hotel or other type of residence by persons of ordinary sensibilities is hereby declared to be a nuisance and is hereby prohibited.

(c)

Violations. The following acts, among others, are declared to be nuisances in violation of this section, but such enumeration shall not be deemed to be exclusive:

(1)

Musical instruments. The playing of any radio, phonograph or other musical instrument at a level in excess of 85 decibels at a distance of 50 feet from the property line particularly between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. so as to annoy or disturb the quiet comfort or repose of persons of ordinary sensibilities in any dwelling, hotel or other type of residence.

(2)

Loudspeakers and amplifiers. The use of any stationary loudspeaker or amplifier at a level in excess of 85 decibels at a distance of 50 feet from the property line that annoys and disturbs persons of ordinary sensibilities in the immediate vicinity thereof; it is a defense to prosecution under this section if such loudspeakers and amplifiers were operated during a parade on a public street within the city or at a public event on property owned by the city and advance permission for such operation was obtained from the city manager or the chief of police.

(3)

Animals and birds. The keeping of any animal or bird which, by causing frequent or long-continued noise, shall disturb the comfort and repose of any person of ordinary sensibilities in the immediate vicinity.

(4)

Horns or other signal devices on vehicles. The continued or frequent sounding of any horn or signal device on any automobile, motorcycle, bus or other vehicle except as a danger or warning signal; the creation by means of any such signal device of any unreasonably loud or noise for any unnecessary and unreasonable period of time.

(5)

Operation of vehicles. The running of any automobile, motorcycle, or vehicle so out of repair; so loaded or in such manner as to create loud or unnecessary granting, grinding, jarring or rattling noise or vibrations.

(6)

Exhaust without mufflers. The discharge into the open air of the exhaust of any steam engine, stationary internal combustion engine, motor vehicle or boat engine except through a muffler or other device which will effectively prevent loud or explosive noises therefrom.

(7)

Construction work. The erection, including excavation, demolition, alteration or repair work on any building other than between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. on weekdays, exception case of urgent necessity in the interest of public safety and convenience, and then only by permit from the city council which permit may be renewed by the city council during the time the emergency exists.

(8)

Near churches, schools and hospitals. The creation of any excessive noise on any street adjacent to any church, school or institution of learning while the same is in session or adjacent to any hospital which unreasonably interferes with the workings of such institutions provided conspicuous signs are displayed on any such street indicating that the street is a church, school or hospital street.

(9)

Loading and unloading vehicles, etc. The creation of any loud and excessive noise in connection with the loading or unloading of any vehicle in the opening and destruction of bales, boxes, crates and containers.

(10)

Yelling, shouting, etc. Loud and raucous yelling, shouting, hooting, whistling, or singing on the public streets, particularly between the hours of 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m., or at any time or place which injures, endangers or disturbs the comfort, repose, health, peace or safety of persons of ordinary sensibilities in any office dwelling, hotel or other type of residence, or of any such persons in the vicinity.

(11)

Use of drums, etc. to attract attention. The use of any drum, loudspeaker or other instrument or device for the purpose of attracting attention by the creation of noise to any performance show or sale of merchandise.

(12)

Railroads. The blowing or sounding of any steam whistle, horn or signal devise on any engine, locomotive car or vehicle adapted to the rails of a railroad in the city, except as a warning or danger signal to persons or animals approaching, crossing or using the tracks of the railroad shall constitute a violation of this section.

(13)

Engine brakes.

a.

This subsection applies to the use or operation of an auxiliary or compression engine brake (also known as "Jake" brake) which produces any noise in addition to the normal operating engine noise is prohibited within the city limits. This provision is not intended to prohibit the passage of vehicles equipped with engine brakes or "Jake" brakes in posted areas but rather prohibit the use of such equipment in posted areas.

b.

It shall be unlawful for any driver of a truck or truck-tractor to activate or use the unit's engine brake within the city limits except in an emergency situation.

c.

The term "emergency situation," for purposes of this subsection, shall mean one in which there is imminent danger of collision with property, persons or animals.

(d)

Exceptions. This section does not apply to a permitted parade, carnival, church event, or charitable activity sponsored by nonprofit organizations as well as other similar permitted "special event(s)".

(e)

Penalty. Any person, or persons, violating or failing to comply with any provision of this section shall be fined, upon conviction, not less than $1.00 nor more than $500.00, for each offense.

(Ord. No. 1608, 4-3-90; Ord. No. 1737, 4-19-94; Ord. No. 2139, § I, 11-5-02; Ord. No. 2259, § I, 2-15-05; Ord. No. 2412, Art. I, 5-19-09)