Orange County NC Website
(3) Except in the case where noises are emanating from within multi-family <br />structures and the complainant is a resident of the same multi-family <br />structure, noise measurements shall be taken at the corner of the primary <br />structure of the complainant nearest the noise source but when this location is <br />not practical noise measurements shall be made at the boundary of the public <br />or private right-of-way which adjoins the complainants' property. <br />(4) In the case of noises emanating from within amulti-family structure and <br />where a complainant is a resident of the same multi-family structure, noise <br />measurements shall be made in the unit of complainant at a height of at least <br />four (4) feet above the floor and at a point approximately equidistant from all <br />walls. <br />(5) No individual other than the Officer operating the meter shall be within ten <br />(10) feet of the meter during the sample period. <br />(6) The meter shall be calibrated immediately before use and recalibrated after <br />use. <br />(7) The Officer operating the meter shall face the noise source and record the <br />meter's instantaneous response observed at consecutive ten (10) second <br />periods. The sound meter operator may cease taking readings as soon as <br />the readings already taken show a violation of this Ordinance. Five readings <br />above the allowed decibel limits as specified in subsection (2) of Article III <br />attributed to the sound source or sources shall constitute prima facie <br />evidence of a violation of the maximum permissible sound levels set in this <br />Ordinance. <br />Article V: Exceptions <br />The following are exempt from the provisions of this Ordinance: <br />(1) Construction operations from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekdays and 8 a.m. to 9 <br />p.m. on weekends for which any required building permits have been issued,; <br />provided all equipment is operated according to the manufacturers' <br />specifications and with all standard equipment, manufacturers' mufflers and <br />noise reducing equipment are in use and in proper operating condition. <br />(2) Noises of safety signals, warning devices, emergency pressure relief valves <br />and church bells or chimes. <br />