Chapter 9.08
NOISE CONTROL
Sections:
9.08.020 Public disturbance noises.
9.08.010 Purpose.
The purpose of this chapter is to minimize the exposure of citizens to the harmful physiological effects of excessive noise. The intent of the town council is to control the level of noise pollution in a manner which promotes commerce, the use, value and enjoyment of property, sleep and repose and the quality of the environment by declaring certain noise-producing activities to be noise disturbances.
(Ord. 456 § 1, 2007).
9.08.020 Public disturbance noises.
A. It is unlawful for any person to cause, or for any person in possession of property to allow to originate from the property, sound that is a public disturbance noise.
B. The following sources of sound shall be public disturbance noises:
1. The frequent, repetitive or continuous sounding of any horn or siren attached to a motor vehicle, except those from a police, fire or medical emergency vehicle, so as to unreasonably disturb or interfere with the peace and comfort of owners or possessors of real property;
2. 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 district, so as to unreasonably disturb or interfere with the peace and comfort of owners or possessors of real property;
3. Yelling or shouting which is audible on the public streets or public grounds between the hours of ten p.m. and eight a.m. or at any time and place so as to unreasonably disturb or interfere with the peace and comfort of owners or possessors of real property;
4. The creation of frequent, repetitive or continuous sounds which emanate from any building, structure, apartment or condominium which unreasonably disturb or interfere with the peace and comfort of owners or possessors of real property, such as sounds from band sessions or social gatherings;
5. The creation of sound from any motor vehicle audio sound system, such as a tape player, radio or compact disc player, operated at a volume so as to be audible at least fifty feet from the source;
6. The creation of sound from any audio equipment, such as a tape player, radio or compact disc player, television, musical instrument, or similar device, whether portable or stationary, operated at a volume as to be audible at least fifty feet from the source;
7. The creation of squealing, screeching or other similar sounds from motor vehicle tires in contact with the ground or other roadway surface because of rapid acceleration, braking or excessive speed around corners or because of such other reason; provided, that sounds which result from actions which are necessary to avoid danger shall be exempt from this section;
8. The creation of sounds originating from residential real property relating to temporary projects for the maintenance or repair of grounds and appurtenances, including but not limited to sounds from lawn mowers, powered hand tools, snow removal equipment and composters, between the hours of ten p.m. and seven a.m. on weekdays and between the hours of ten p.m. and nine a.m. on weekends;
9. The creation of sounds originating from any construction activity, including excavation and land clearing work, or erection, demolition, alteration, repair, or relocation of any building or structure, which uses tools such as, but not limited to, powered equipment, compressors, motorized or powered hand tools, hammers or equipment of a similar nature at any location which produces noise clearly audible from another location in a residential district or at a dwelling in any district, other than between the hours of seven a.m. and eight p.m. weekdays and nine a.m. and six p.m. on Saturdays, Sundays or federal holidays;
10. The creation of sounds from gas-powered motorized foot scooters between the hours of nine p.m. and seven a.m. or during any “hours of darkness” as that phrase is defined in RCW 46.04.200. For purposes of this section, the times of sunset and sunrise shall be those times designated by a recognized weather forecaster or weather bureau for the Grant County area.
C. The prohibitions set forth in this section shall not apply to a civic event or gathering approved in advance by the town council; and provided, that the town council shall approve the activities and hours of operation for which the noise level shall be exempt.
(Ord. 456 § 2, 2007).
9.08.030 Violation—Penalty.
Any violation of or any failure to comply with any provision of this chapter shall be a civil infraction and shall carry a mandatory minimum penalty as follows:
|
First offense within a one-year period |
$100.00 |
|
Second offense within a one-year period |
300.00 |
|
Third or subsequent offense within a one-year period |
500.00 each |
The above penalties do not include the applicable statutory assessments as required by law, which are to be added.
(Ord. 456 § 3, 2007).