Chapter 9.20
PUBLIC DISTURBANCE NOISE
Sections:
9.20.010 Unlawful noises designated.
9.20.030 Content of sound not considered.
9.20.010 Unlawful noises designated.
A. It is unlawful for any person to cause or any person in possession of property to allow to originate from the property, sound that is a public disturbance noise. The following sounds are determined to be a public disturbance:
1. Sounds from motor vehicle audio sound equipment, such as radios, tape players and compact disc players, installed in the vehicle or merely carried therein, to be operated at a volume so as to be plainly audible by the human ear at a distance of 50 feet or more from the vehicle itself.
2. Sound from portable audio equipment, such as a radio, tape player or compact disk player, which is operated at such a volume so as to be plainly audible by the human ear at a distance of 50 feet or more from the source of the sound.
3. The frequent, repetitive or continuous sounding of any horn or siren attached to a motor vehicle, except as a warning of danger or as specifically permitted or required by law.
4. The creation of frequent, repetitive or continuous sounds which emanate from any building, apartment, or condominium, which unreasonably interferes with the peace, comfort, and repose of owners or possessors of real property, such as sounds from musical instruments, audio sound equipment, band sessions, or social gatherings.
5. Yelling, shouting, hooting, whistling or singing on or near the public streets at any time and/or place so as to unreasonably disturb or interfere with the peace, comfort and repose of owners or possessors of real property.
6. The creation of frequent, repetitive or continuous sounds in connection with the starting, operation, repair, rebuilding or testing of any motor vehicle, motorcycle, off-highway vehicle or internal combustion engine within a residential area or near any human service facilities.
7. Allowing any animal to bark, whine, howl, bellow or otherwise create a noise that is frequent, repetitive or continuous and disturbs the peace and quiet of the neighborhood.
B. The foregoing enumeration of acts and noises shall not be construed as excluding other acts and noises which offend the public peace. (Ord. 1027 § 2, 2006)
9.20.020 Exemptions.
A. The following shall be exempt from the provisions of this chapter:
1. Businesses operating upon their own premises as long as their operations are in conformance with OMC 9.22.040, Maximum permissible environmental noise levels.
2. Emergency vehicles as defined in RCW 46.04.040.
3. Other vehicles specifically approved by the city council on a case-by-case basis.
4. Persons operating such equipment within a public park for an event authorized by the city of Okanogan or regularly scheduled events such as public address systems for sports events or park concerts. (Ord. 1027 § 2, 2006)
9.20.030 Content of sound not considered.
The content of the sound will not be considered in determining a violation of this section. (Ord. 1027 § 2, 2006)
9.20.040 Penalty.
It shall be a civil infraction for any person to violate the provisions of this chapter. Each violation of this section shall have a monetary penalty of not less than $50.00 nor more than $500.00. (Ord. 1027 § 2, 2006)