Orange County NC Website
nature of the noise complaints, The tables provided list the existing language, suggested <br />alternatives and comments, Other examples of community noise control ordinances can <br />provide better understanding of the local issue. Our existing noise standards are based on <br />decibels, Up to 60 dB(A) is the standard between 8.00 a.m, and 11:00 p.m; up to 50 dB(A) <br />from 11:00 p.m, to 8:00 a.m. The chart illustrates a range of decibel noise levels and general <br />activities. <br />There are three options. The first is a change the time or shorten the daytime periods when <br />louder noise is permissible. The second is to lower the permissible noise levels, and the third <br />may be a combination of the two. We are looking for input regarding what different time periods <br />are acceptable which would reflect when typical construction noise happens. Other aspects <br />include how and when noise readings are taken. The measurements are taken from the <br />adjacent property, People should be able to enjoy any noise on their property so long as it does <br />not intrude onto neighboring lands. A list of exceptions to the noise standards, with suggested <br />clarifications is included along with additional language regarding registered vehicles with <br />mufflers. Violation and penalty increases are suggested as are nuisance noises (utilitarian <br />verses recreational noise). <br />The zoning ordinance has performance standards on noise and vibration lJse Permit and <br />hopefully the two noise standards will eventually match. <br />Commissioner Comments: <br />This discussion and public, hearing is the result of on-going concerns from county citizens and <br />not a specific event, <br />How would noise be measured? At the adjacent property line, four feet above the ground, ten <br />feet from wall, barriers, or obstructions, <br />Usually we have an ordinance available at the public hearing, Why isn't the proposed <br />ordinance presented? We did not want to lock in at this time specific revisions, Rather, we are <br />looking for input and guidance to shape the actual recommendations and bring back the <br />recommendations to the Commissioners at another meeting. <br />Do we have problems with the public hearing and the specifics of the proposed revisions? <br />Revisions to the Noise Control Ordinance do not require a public hearing, The Commissioners <br />have free reign to proceed on this matter, <br />There are some problems with the definitions of noise, We should take the best of both <br />suggested noise definitions, but start with the second definition. We should address the <br />confusion and the different standards in the zoning ordinance, The higher standard would <br />prevail and there would be consistency. <br />We need a common sense definition, one that the normal person would know, What kind of <br />enforcement history with a definition, for instance the one used in Durham County, have other <br />communities experienced? <br />The proposed methodology of taking 100 noise readings, each ten seconds apart would require <br />nearly seventeen minutes, a significant amount of time, How would someone know? We need <br />