§ 13-27. Noise level exemptions.  


Latest version.
  • The following uses and activities shall be exempt from this article's noise level regulations except as listed in table 1.

    (1)

    Air conditioners when functioning in accord with the manufacturers' [specifications], standard mufflers and noise-reducing equipment in use and in proper operating condition according to standards promulgated by the American Refrigeration Institute. The same exception shall apply to lawn mowers and agricultural equipment during daylight hours.

    (2)

    Non-amplified crowd noises resulting from activities such as those planned by student, governmental or community groups.

    (3)

    Construction operations for which building permits have been issued, or construction operations not requiring permits due to ownership of the project by an agency of government; providing all equipment is operated in accord with the manufacturers' specifications and with all standard equipment, mufflers and noise-reducing equipment in use and in proper operating condition.

    TABLE 1
    MAXIMUM SOUND LEVELS FOR
    USE OCCUPANCY CATEGORY
    RECEIVING LAND USE

    Use Occupancy
    Category
    Time Maximum
    Sound Level
    Limit—dBA
    Maximum
    Sound Level
    Limit—dBC
    Residential 7:00 a.m.—10:00 p.m. 60 65
    10:00 p.m.—7:00 a.m. 55 60
    Commercial or Tourist 7:00 a.m.—10:00 p.m. 70 75
    10:00 p.m.—7:00 a.m. 65 70
    Light Industrial At all times 75 80

     

    The city's zoning map shall be relied upon for purposes of defining the "use occupancy category". In cases of multiple uses, with the exception of multiple uses as described in footnote 2 below, the more restrictive use category shall prevail. Hospitals, nursing homes, schools, libraries, and church uses shall be considered residential uses. Any area not otherwise classified shall conform to commercial standards.

    The commercial or tourist use occupancy category's maximum sound levels shall apply to residential uses located within the GC-General Commercial and the TC-Tourist Commercial zoning districts.

    (4)

    Noises of safety signals, warning devices, emergency pressure relief valves and bells and chimes of churches.

    (5)

    Noises resulting from any authorized emergency vehicle when responding to an emergency call or acting in time of emergency.

    (6)

    Noises resulting from emergency work.

    (7)

    Any other noise resulting from activities of a temporary duration permitted by law and for which a permit therefor has been granted by the city in accordance with this article. Regulation of noises emanating from operations under permit shall be according to the conditions and limits stated on the permit and contained in this article.

    (8)

    Noises made by persons having obtained a permit to use the streets.

    (9)

    All noises coming from the normal operations of aircraft (not including scale model aircraft).

    (10)

    Motor vehicles defined in F.S. Ch. 316.

    (11)

    All noises generated by the city and its agents and/or from city sponsored events.

    (12)

    All noises generated during the July 4th holiday.

(Ord. No. 2007-13, § 1(Exh. A), 5-24-07; Ord. No. 2013-02, § 1, 3-14-13)