§ 20-32. Terminology and methodology.

(a)

Terminology. All terminology used in this article not defined below shall be in conformance with applicable publications of the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) or its successor body.

(1)

A-weighted sound level: The sound pressure level in decibels as measured on a sound level meter using the A-weighting network. The level so read is designed dB (A).

(2)

Decibel (dB): A unit for describing the amplitude of sound, equal to 20 times the logarithm to the base ten of the ratio for the pressure of the sound measured to the reference pressure, which is 20 micronewtons per square meter.

(3)

Sound pressure level: 20 times the logarithm to the base ten of the ratio of the RMS sound of 20 micronewtons per square meter.

(4)

Sound level meter: An instrument, which includes a microphone, amplifier, RMS detector, integrator or time averaged, output meter.

(5)

Sound level: The weighted sound pressure level obtaining by the use of a sound level meter and frequency weighted network, such as A, B, or C as specified in American National Standards Institute or the latest approved version thereof) ANSI S1.4-1971, or the latest approved version thereof). If the frequency weighting employed is not indicated, the A-weighting shall apply.

(6)

Emergency work: Any work performed for the purposes of preventing or alleviating physical trauma or property damage threatened or caused by an existing or imminent peril.

(7)

Outdoor amplified sound: Any sound using amplifying equipment whose sound is outside or whose source is inside and the sound propagates to outside through open doors or windows or other openings in the building.

(8)

Sound amplifying equipment: Any device for the amplification of the human voice, music, or any other sound, including jukeboxes, stereos, and radios.

(b)

Methodology. Standards, instrumentation, personnel, measurement procedures, and reporting procedures to be used in the measurement of sound as provided for in this section shall be those as specified herein:

(1)

Sound level measurement shall be made with a sound level meter using the "A" weighting scale, set on "slow" response.

(2)

Sound level meters shall be of at least type three meeting American National Standard Institute Incorporated (ANSI) S1.4-1971 requirements. The entire sound measurement system shall be serviced and calibrated and operated as recommended by the manufacturer. Persons using the sound level meters shall be trained in sound level measurement.

(3)

The chief of police or his designee may adopt standards for sound level measurement and enforcement consistent with this article.

(Ord. No. 00-1170, § 1, 11-9-00)