Chapter 8.35
NOISE

Sections:

8.35.010    Noise unlawful – When.

8.35.020    Closure of doors.

8.35.030    Exceptions.

8.35.040    Penalty.

Prior legislation: Ord. 173.

8.35.010 Noise unlawful – When.

It is unlawful for any person knowingly to cause or make, or for any person in possession of property knowingly to allow to originate from the property, any loud or raucous noise which unreasonably disturbs or interferes with the peace, comfort or repose of others. Noise shall be presumed to be unreasonable if a complaint is received by the Roslyn police department for noise occurring between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m., and upon independent verification of the unreasonableness of the noise by a police officer. Unlawful noise shall include, but not be limited to, the following sounds or combinations of sounds:

A. Frequent, repetitive, or continuous sounds made by any animal, except that such sounds made in animal shelters, commercial kennels, veterinary hospitals, pet shops or pet kennels licensed under the Roslyn Municipal Code shall be exempt from this subsection; provided, that notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, if the owner or other person having custody of the animal cannot, with reasonable inquiry, be located by the investigating officer or if the animal is a repeated violator of this subsection, the animal may be impounded by a police officer or an animal control officer, subject to redemption in the manner provided by ordinance.

B. Frequent, repetitive, or continuous sounds made by horn or siren, except such sounds that are made to warn of danger or that are specifically permitted or required by law.

C. Frequent, repetitive, or continuous sounds made in connection with the starting, operation, rebuilding or testing of any motor vehicle, motorcycle, off-highway vehicle, or internal combustion engine.

D. Frequent, repetitive, or continuous sounds created by use of a musical instrument, or other device capable of producing sound when struck by an object, a whistle, or a sound amplifier or other device capable of producing, amplifying, or reproducing sound that can be heard from a distance of 50 feet or more.

E. Frequent, repetitive, or continuous sounds made by the amplified or unaffiliated human voice. The content of the speech shall not be considered in determining a violation of this subsection. [Ord. 830 § 1, 1996.]

8.35.020 Closure of doors.

All commercial establishments that provide live or recorded music to patrons for purposes of dance or entertainment shall close their external doors while such music is being provided between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. [Ord. 830 § 1, 1996.]

8.35.030 Exceptions.

The provisions of this chapter shall not apply to:

A. Noise originating from regularly scheduled community events, including, but not limited to, sporting events, public concerts, parades or public ceremonies;

B. Noise associated with the preparation for regularly scheduled community events;

C. Normal building construction activity between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m.;

D. Special community events approved by majority vote of the Roslyn city council. In granting a waiver to an event, the city council may prescribe reasonable conditions and limit the times for which the waiver applies;

E. Noise associated with street cleaning, emergency repair to any street, building or structure, fire suppression, or any other emergency activity designed to preserve life or property, undertaken by the United States, the state of Washington, the city of Roslyn, or any of their respective officers, employees or contractors; and

F. Noise associated with snow removal. [Ord. 830 § 1, 1996.]

8.35.040 Penalty.

Any person, firm or corporation violating any provision of this chapter, upon conviction or a plea of guilty, shall be subject to a maximum 90 days in jail and a maximum fine of $500.00 or both. Each day’s violation shall be deemed a separate offense. [Ord. 830 § 1, 1996.]