ORD-2005-023 - Proposed County Noise Control Ordinance Revisions

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decibels. Up to 60 dB(A) is the standard between 8:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m; up to 50 dB(A) from 11:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. The chart illustrates a range of decibel noise levels and general activities. There are three options. The first is to change the time or shorten the daytime periods when louder noise is permissible. The second is to lower the permissible noise levels, and the third may be a combination of the two. Staff are looking for input regarding what different time periods are acceptable which would reflect when typical construction noise happens. Other aspects include how and when noise readings are taken. The measurements are taken from the adjacent property. People should be able to enjoy any noise on their property so long as it does not intrude onto neighboring lands. A list of exceptions to the noise standards, with suggested clarifications is included along with additional language regarding registered vehicles with mufflers. Violation and penalty increases are suggested as are nuisance noises (utilitarian verses recreational noise). The zoning ordinance has performance standards on noise and vibration and hopefully the two noise standards will eventually match. Commissioner Comments: This discussion and public hearing is the result of on -going concerns from County citizens and not a specific event. How would noise be measured? At the adjacent property line, four feet above the ground, ten feet from wall, barriers, or obstructions. Usually we have an ordinance available at the public hearing. Why isn't the proposed ordinance presented? We did not want to lock in at this time specific revisions. Rather, we are looking for input and guidance to shape the actual recommendations and bring back the recommendations- toAh�CDmmis -sioner-s--aLanoth�une -eting - - - - -- -- - - - - -- - - - - - -- -- - - - - -- Do we have problems with the public hearing and the specifics of the proposed revisions? Revisions to the Noise Control Ordinance do not require a public hearing. The Commissioners have free reign to proceed on this matter. There are some problems with the definitions of noise. We should take the best of both suggested noise definitions, but start with the second definition. We should address the confusion and the different standards in the zoning ordinance. The higher standard would prevail and there would be consistency. We need a common sense definition, one that the normal person would know. What kind of enforcement history with a definition, for instance the one used in Durham County, have other communities experienced? The proposed methodology of taking 100 noise readings, each ten seconds apart would require nearly seventeen minutes, a significant amount of time. How would someone know? We need a general definition, which the common person would know, and we should not increase the penalties.