Chapter 11.96
UNLAWFUL NOISES

Sections:

11.96.010    Unlawful noises – Standards for determination.

11.96.020    Leaf blowers – Restrictions on use.

11.96.030    Repealed.

11.96.040    Construction noise time limits.

11.96.050    Enforcement.

11.96.010 Unlawful noises – Standards for determination.

Notwithstanding the provisions of Chapter 11.94 PGMC, and in addition thereto, it shall be made unlawful for any person to willfully make or continue, or cause to be made or continued, any loud, unnecessary, or unusual noise which disturbs the peace or quiet of any neighborhood or which causes discomfort or annoyance to any reasonable person of normal sensitiveness residing in the area.

The standards which shall be considered in determining whether provisions of this section have been violated shall include, but not be limited to, the following:

(a) The level of the noise;

(b) The intensity of the noise;

(c) Whether the nature of the noise is usual or unusual;

(d) Whether the origin of the noise is natural or unnatural;

(e) The level and intensity of the background noise, if any;

(f) The proximity of the noise to residential sleeping facilities;

(g) The nature and zoning of the area within which the noise emanates;

(h) The density of the inhabitation of the area within which the noise emanates;

(i) The time of the day or night the noise occurs;

(j) The duration of the noise;

(k) Whether the noise is recurrent, intermittent, or constant; and

(l) Whether the noise is produced by a commercial or noncommercial activity. [Ord. 20-005 § 2, 2020; Ord. 1987 N.S. § 3, 1995].

11.96.020 Leaf blowers – Restrictions on use.

(a) As used in this section, the following terms shall have the meanings set out below:

(1) “Leaf blower” means any device, and its associated equipment, designed or operated to produce a current of air generated by a power source to push, propel, or blow leaves, dust, cuttings, refuse, or any other waste or debris material. Street sweeping vehicles are not leaf blowers.

(b) It is unlawful for any person to operate a gasoline or other combustion engine leaf blower or vacuum within the city limits. Corded electric or battery-powered leaf blowers or vacuums are exempt from this limit.

(c) It is unlawful for any person to operate any leaf blower to push, propel or blow leaves, dust, weeds, cuttings, refuse or any other waste or debris material into the air in a manner which allows them to settle on public property or on private property not belonging to the same owner of the property on which the blower is being operated. Any materials so pushed, propelled or blown shall be gathered and removed immediately by the person operating the leaf blower.

(d) This section does not authorize any activity or environmental harm or impact, including noise or air pollution, that would otherwise be a harm, hazard, nuisance, or trespass, or violate any other law.

(e) Public agencies, including the city of Pacific Grove, shall fully comply with the provisions of this section. [Ord. 20-005 § 2, 2020; Ord. 08-006 § 43, 2008; Ord. 01-03 § 1, 2001].

11.96.030 Sound pressure meters.

Repealed by Ord. 20-005. [Ord. 09-005 § 18, 2009; Ord. 01-03 § 2, 2001].

11.96.040 Construction noise time limits.

(a) Purpose. The purpose of this section is to protect neighbors and the community from excessive noise caused by construction activities while not unduly restricting lawful construction, by establishing specific hours when construction noise is not allowed.

(b) Time Limits. All noise-generating construction activities, as well as delivery and removal of materials and equipment associated with those construction activities, are limited to the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Sunday.

(c) Notice of Construction Hours. Limits on construction hours shall be noted on the city building permit and approved building plans.

(d) Definition. “Noise-generating construction activities” means all activities associated with construction, alteration, remodeling, demolition or repair that generate persistent or repeated mechanical or percussive sounds that are clearly audible outside the boundaries of the property where the sound is generated.

(e) Exception. A permit to allow an exception to these time limitations may be issued by the zoning administrator or designee if it is found that the exception is warranted by unique and overriding circumstances, is in furtherance of the purpose of this section, and is of short duration. Each permit shall be for a limited term, and shall be conditioned to require renewal after that term. Before issuing a permit under this section the city shall post and mail notice of the proposed permit to neighbors within 300 feet of the construction site. Notice shall include a statement of the proposed construction time limits, duration of the exception and the process by which the permit may be appealed. The city manager or designee shall have the discretion to waive the notice requirement in the event he or she determines there is an imminent danger to health, safety or property.

(f) Appeals. Decisions of the zoning administrator to allow an exception pursuant to this section may be appealed to the planning commission by any person, in accord with Chapter 23.74 PGMC. [Ord. 20-005 § 2, 2020; Ord. 16-012 § 3, 2016].

11.96.050 Enforcement.

Violations of this chapter may be enforced in accordance with Chapters 1.16 and 1.19 PGMC. Violation of this chapter may also be considered to be a public nuisance. In addition to any other remedies or penalties that may be available, any violation of this chapter shall be subject to abatement by the city, as well as any other remedies that may be permitted by law for public nuisances, and may be enforced by an injunction issued by the superior court in a civil action, based upon a showing by the city that said violation exists. The city manager is authorized to establish regulations or administrative procedures to obtain compliance with this chapter. [Ord. 20-005 § 2, 2020].