Orange County NC Website
9 <br /> Recommendations in RED <br /> o Standards, instrumentation, and measurement procedures to be used in the <br /> measurement of sound as provided for in this Article are as follows: <br /> (1) Sound level measurement shall be made with a sound level meter using the "A"weighting scale set on <br /> "slow response," except for measurements of impact sound, set on "slow response. Impact sound shall <br /> be measured using the fast response of the sound level meter. <br /> (2)The entire sound measurement system shall be serviced and operated as recommended by the <br /> manufacturer. Any officer authorized to enforce this ordinance shall be trained in the use of sound level <br /> measurement and the operation of sound level meters. <br /> (3) Except in the case where noises are emanating from within multi-family structures and the <br /> complainant is a resident of the same multi-family structure, noise measurements shall be taken at the <br /> corner of the primary structure of the complainant nearest the noise source but when this location is not <br /> practical noise measurements shall be made at the boundary of the public or private right-of-way which <br /> adjoins the complainant's property. <br /> (4) In the case of noises emanating from within a multi-family structure and where a complainant is a <br /> resident of the same multi-family structure, noise measurements shall be made in the unit of complainant <br /> at a height of at least four feet above the floor and at a point approximately equidistant from all walls. <br /> (5) No individual other than the officer operating the meter shall be within ten feet of the meter during the <br /> sample period. <br /> (6)The meter shall be calibrated immediately before use and recalibrated after use. <br /> (7)The officer operating the meter shall face the noise source and record the meters instantaneous <br /> response observed at consecutive ten second periods. The sound meter operator may cease taking <br /> readings as soon as the readings already taken show a violation of this Article. Five readings above the <br /> allowed decibel limits as specified in subsection 16-53(b)attributed to the sound source or sources shall <br /> constitute prima facie evidence of a violation of the maximum permissible sound levels set in this Article. <br /> Sec. 16-55. - Exceptions. <br /> o The following are exempt from the provisions of this Article: <br /> (1) Construction operations from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. on weekdays and 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. on <br /> weekends for which any required building permits have been issued, provided all equipment is operated <br /> according to the manufacturers' specifications and with all standard equipment, manufacturers' mufflers <br /> and noise reducing equipment are in use and in proper operating condition. <br /> (2) Noises of safety signals, warning devices, emergency pressure relief valves and church bells or <br /> chimes. <br /> (3) Noises resulting from any authorized emergency vehicle when responding to any emergency call or <br /> acting in time of emergency. <br /> (4) Nonamplified noises at street activity(such as fairs or parades)where the participants have a permit, if <br /> a permit is required by law for such activity. <br />