Noise Complaints

Noise Disturbance

No person shall knowingly create, permit, or assist in the creation or continuance of any noise disturbance. Except when allowed by a permit issued by the City, the following are noise disturbances:

Sound Equipment

It is unlawful to operate or use, or to permit the operation or use, of sound producing, amplifying, or reproducing equipment in such a manner that the sound produced thereby is plainly audible:

• Within any noise sensitive property, other than the place where the sound originates;
• or on public property or public right-of-way located one hundred fifty feet from the place where the sound originates.

Animals

It is unlawful to keep, or permit the keeping of, any animal that barks, cries, whimpers, crows, clucks, or makes any other sound on a frequent or continuous basis for 15 minutes or longer and that is plainly audible within a noise sensitive property, other than the place where the sound originates.

Power Equipment

It is unlawful to operate, or to permit the operation of, any power equipment between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. For more information regarding construction noise, see the Noise & Work Hour Variance Application.

Dynamic Braking Devices

It is unlawful to use a dynamic braking device on any motor vehicle, except to avoid imminent danger to persons or property.

Idling Engines on Motor Vehicles

It is unlawful to operate an idling engine for more than 15 consecutive minutes between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m.

Motor Vehicle Repair and Testing

It is unlawful to repair or test any motor vehicle between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. in a manner that is plainly audible within a noise sensitive property.

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Exceptions

Government Facilities

Sounds emanating from parks, libraries, or other government facilities that comply with rules or regulations promulgated by the government authority that owns or manages the facility;

Community Events

Sounds created by community events, such as: events, parades, public fireworks displays, street fairs, school events, athletic events, and festivals approved by the City or other governmental entity with authority over the location of the community event;

Emergency Sounds

Sounds caused by emergency work, emergency equipment, vehicles and apparatus, regardless of whether such work is performed by a public or private agency, or upon public or private property, and emergency warning devices and alarm systems;

Industrial, Agricultural, Construction and Demolition 

Sounds caused by industrial, agricultural, construction, or demolition activities when performed during the hours of 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., seven days a week or otherwise under a permit issued by the City or other governmental authority with jurisdiction;

Traffic

Sounds caused by regular vehicular traffic emanating from premises open to the public in compliance with state law. Regular vehicle traffic does not include a single vehicle that creates noise or sound in violation of this Chapter;

Holiday Sounds

Sounds caused by legal fireworks on the third of July, Fourth of July, and the Friday and Saturday during the weekend closest to the Fourth of July of each year; between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m. and sounds made between midnight and 12:30 a.m. on January 1 of each year; and

Federal and State Law

Sounds regulated by federal or state law, including: but not limited to, sounds caused by railroads or aircraft.