§ 16-51. Definitions.

In addition to the common meaning of words, the following definitions shall be used in interpreting this Article.

Amplified: Any increase of sound by the use of mechanical or electronic equipment.

ANSI standards: American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Publication ANSI, S1.4-1997 or the latest approved version thereof.

"A" weighting scale: The sound pressure level in decibels as measured with a sound level meter using the "A" weighted network (abbreviated as "dB(A)"), as defined by the ANSI Standards). "A" weighting de-emphasizes the very low and very high frequency components of sound in a manner similar to the response of the human ear.

dB(A): Sound level in decibels determined by the "A" weighting scale.

Decibel: A unit of or level used to measure sound intensity, equal to the logarithm of the ratio of the intensity of the sound to a reference pressure.

Impact sound: Sound that occurs intermittently rather than continuously.

Motor vehicle: Any motor vehicle as defined by G.S.§ 20-4.01(23), or its successor statute.

Noise: Includes any sound or source of sound prohibited by section 16-52 of this Article, or any unreasonably loud and disturbing noise as defined herein and prohibited by subsection 16-53(a) of this Article, or any sound that exceeds the maximum permissible sound levels set by subsection 16-53(b) and measured as set forth in section 16-54 of this Article.

Person: Any individual, association, firm, partnership, corporation or business entity.

Receiving land: Property that receives the transmission of noise or other sound that is generated on other property.

Sound level: In decibels, a weighted sound pressure level on the "A" weighting scale determined by the use of a sound level meter whose characteristics and frequency weightings are specified in the ANSI standards.

Sound level meter: Any type three instrument certified to meet or exceed ANSI standards, which includes an omni-directional microphone, an output meter and frequency weighting network(s), and other mechanisms for the measurement of sound level.

Unreasonably loud and disturbing noise: Any sound which is substantially incompatible with the time and location where created, and which is perceived by a person of ordinary sensibilities as interrupting the normal peace and calm of the receiving land. The following factors incident to unreasonably loud and disturbing noise shall be considered: time of day; proximity to residential structures; whether the sound is recurrent, intermittent or constant; the volume and intensity; whether the sound has been amplified in volume or range; the character and zoning of the area, including the receiving land; whether the sound is related to recreational or utilitarian activities normally associated with the use of property or the normal operation of a business or other labor activity; whether the sound is subject to being controlled without unreasonable effort or expense to the creation thereof.

(Ord. of 6-7-2005, art. I, eff. 6-7-2005)