Chapter 8.32
NOISE
Sections:
8.32.030 Public disturbance noise prohibited.
8.32.050 Seizure and forfeiture.
8.32.010 Purpose.
The causing, making or maintenance of noise which unreasonably disturbs the peace of others, or the allowing of such noises to emanate from property, are a detriment to public health, comfort, convenience, safety, welfare and prosperity of the people of the city. The mayor and city council deem it to be necessary in the public interest for the provisions, controls and prohibitions of this chapter to secure and promote the peace and quiet of the city and its citizens. (Ord. 954 §2(part), 1993)
8.32.020 Definition.
A "public disturbance noise" is a sound which by its intensity, volume, frequency, duration or character unreasonably disturbs or interferes with the peace, quiet and comfort of others. (Ord. 954 §2(part), 1993)
8.32.030 Public disturbance noise prohibited.
It is unlawful for any person to knowingly cause or make, or for any person in possession of property to knowingly cause, permit or allow to emanate therefrom, any sound that is a public disturbance noise. A sound audible more than fifty feet from its source is deemed to be a prohibited noise, unless exempt as hereafter provided. (Ord. 954 §2(part), 1993)
8.32.040 Exemptions.
The following sounds are exempt from the provisions of this chapter:
A. Sounds created by emergency alarms, or by public safety equipment or personnel in the course of their duties;
B. Sounds created by construction or lawn and garden equipment from seven a.m. to nine p.m. weekdays and from eight a.m. to nine p.m. Sundays and holidays;
C. Sounds originated from officially sanctioned parades and other public events and school activities;
D. Sounds created by lawfully established commercial and industrial uses. (Ord. 954 §2(part), 1993)
8.32.050 Seizure and forfeiture.
After the issuance of a warning, if a violation is repeated within twenty-four hours after the warning, the equipment from which the public disturbance noise has emanated may be seized and impounded, which equipment shall be held by the police department until a hearing before the municipal court judge, at which time the court shall have the power to order the forfeiture of the seized equipment upon a showing that a warning as required by this section was given to the owner or person in possession of the seized equipment, if the court has reasonable cause to believe that if the equipment is not forfeited there is a likelihood that repeated violations of this chapter will be committed by the offending party. (Ord. 1051 §1, 1998: Ord. 954 §2(part), 1993)