§ 23.06.044. Exterior Noise Level Standards.

The exterior noise level standards of this section are applicable when a land use affected by noise is one of the following noise-sensitive uses which are defined in the Land Use Element and Local Coastal Plan: residential uses listed in Table O, Framework for Planning, except for residential accessory uses and temporary dwellings; health care services (hospitals and similar establishments only); hotels and motels; bed and breakfast facilities; schools (pre-school to secondary, college and university, specialized education and training); churches; libraries and museums; public assembly and entertainment; offices, and outdoor sports and recreation.

a.

No person shall create any noise or allow the creation of any noise at any location within the unincorporated areas of the county on property owned, leased, occupied or otherwise controlled by such person which causes the exterior noise level when measured at any of the preceding noise-sensitive land uses situated in either the incorporated or unincorporated areas to exceed the noise level standards in the following table. When the receiving noise-sensitive land use is outdoor sports and recreation, the following noise level standards shall be increased by 10dB.

EXTERIOR NOISE LEVEL STANDARDS
	Daytime (7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.)	Nighttime (10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.)
Hourly Equivalent Sound Level (L eq , dB)	50	45
Maximum level, dB	70	65

 

Notes:

1.

Applies only to uses that operate or are occupied during nighttime hours

b.

In the event the measured ambient noise level exceeds the applicable exterior noise level standard in subsection (a), the applicable standard shall be adjusted so as to equal the ambient noise level plus one dB.

c.

Each of the exterior noise level standards specified in subsection (a) shall be reduced by five dB for simple tone noises, noises consisting primarily of speech or music, or for recurring impulsive noises.

d.

If the intruding noise source is continuous and cannot reasonably be discontinued or stopped for a time period whereby the ambient noise level can be measured, the noise level measured while the source is in operation shall be compared directly to the exterior noise level standards.

[Amended 1992, Ord. 2546]