§ 42-1. Noise.

The creation of any unreasonably loud, disturbing noise in the city is prohibited. Noise of such character, intensity and duration as to be detrimental to the life or health of any individual is prohibited. The following acts, among others, are declared to be loud, disturbing noises in violation of this section, but such enumeration shall not be deemed to be exclusive, namely:

(1)

The sounding of any horn or signal device on any automobile, motorcycle, motor scooter, motorbike, bus or other vehicle, except when reasonably necessary to ensure safe operation; the creation by means of any such signal device of any unreasonably loud or harsh sound; and the sounding of such device for any unreasonable period of time.

(2)

The playing of any radio, phonograph or musical instrument in such a manner or with such volume, particularly during the hours between 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m., as to annoy or disturb the quiet, comfort or repose of persons in any dwelling, hotel or other type of residence.

(3)

The keeping of any animal or bird which by causing frequent or long-continued noises shall disturb the comfort and repose of any person in the vicinity.

(4)

The use of any automobile, motorcycle, motor scooter, motorbike or vehicle so out of repair, so loaded or in such manner as to create loud grating, grinding, rattling or other noise.

(5)

The blowing of any steam whistle attached to any stationary boiler, except to give notice of the time to begin or stop work or as a warning of danger.

(6)

The discharge into the open air of the exhaust of any steam engine, stationary internal combustion engine, motor vehicle or motorboat engine except through a muffler or other device which will effectively prevent loud or explosive noises therefrom.

(7)

The erection (including excavating), demolition, alteration or repair of any building other than between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. on weekdays, except in case of urgent necessity in the interest of public safety and then only with a permit from the mayor, which permit shall be limited to, subject to renewal, a period of three days or less while the emergency continues.

(8)

The creation of any excessive noise on any street adjacent to any church, school, institution of learning or court while the same is in session, or adjacent to any hospital, which unreasonably interferes with the workings of such institutions, provided conspicuous signs are displayed in such streets indicating that the same is a church, school, hospital or court street.

(9)

The creation of a loud and excessive noise in connection with loading or unloading any vehicle or the opening and destruction of bales, boxes, crates and containers.

(10)

The shouting and crying of peddlers, hawkers and vendors which disturbs the peace and quiet of the neighborhood.

(11)

The use of any drum, pan, pail, bell, horn, trumpet, loudspeaker or other instrument or device for the purpose of attracting attention or intended to attract attention to any performance, show or sale or display of merchandise, except upon written permit first obtained from the city commission.

(Code 1960, § 16-19; Code 1992, § 14-10)

Charter reference

Abatement of nuisances, § 6(m).