Chapter 7.36
PUBLIC DISTURBANCE NOISES
Sections
7.36.010 Definitions – Use of words and phrases.
7.36.020 Public disturbance noises – Prohibition – Exceptions.
7.36.005 Purpose.
The purpose of this chapter is to control noise in a manner which promotes commerce; the use, value, and enjoyment of property; sleep and repose; and the quality of the environment. [Ord. 1595 § 1, 2014.]
7.36.010 Definitions – Use of words and phrases.
As used in this chapter, unless the context or subject matter clearly requires otherwise, the words or phrases defined in this section shall have the indicated meanings.
“Specific public disturbance noises” means:
(1) The creation of frequent, repetitive, or continuous noise or sound that unreasonably disturbs, annoys, or interferes with peace and comfort of the owners or possessors of real property, including but not limited to sounds from musical instruments, audio sound systems, band sessions, yelling, or social gatherings;
(2) Sound from motor vehicle audio sound systems, operated at volumes so as to be audible greater than 100 feet from the vehicle itself;
(3) Sound from portable audio equipment, operated at a volume so as to be audible greater than 100 feet from the source, and if not operated upon the property of the operator. [Ord. 1595 § 2, 2014: Ord. 1072 § 1, 1993.]
7.36.020 Public disturbance noises – Prohibition – Exceptions.
(1) No person shall cause, and no person in possession of real property, a motor vehicle, or portable audio equipment shall allow, specific public disturbance noises as defined in this chapter to originate from such sources.
(2) The provisions of this section shall not apply to:
(a) Sounds from public safety or emergency vehicles or equipment, including, but not limited to, police, fire protection, and ambulances;
(b) Sounds resulting from City-approved community events.
(3) The content of the sound or noise will not be considered in determining a violation of this chapter. [Ord. 1595 § 3, 2014: Ord. 1072 § 2, 1993.]
7.36.030 Penalty.
A violation of or failure to comply with this chapter is punished as follows:
(1) A first violation within a 12-calendar-month period is a class 3 civil infraction.
(2) A second violation within a 12-calendar-month period is a class 1 civil infraction.
(3) A third or subsequent violation within a 12-calendar-month period is a misdemeanor. [Ord. 1595 § 4, 2014: Ord. 1072 § 3, 1993.]