Athens City Code

1. (1) Definitions. The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this section, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this subsection, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning:
   
   Noise level means the "A" weighted sound pressure level in decibels obtained by using a sound level meter at slow response with a reference pressure of 20 micronewtons per square meter. The unit of measurement shall be designated as dB(A).
   
   Sound level meter means an instrument meeting American National Standard Institute's Standard Sl.4-1971 for Type 1 or Type 2 sound level meters or an instrument and the associated recording and analyzing equipment which will provide equivalent data.
2. (2) Prohibited generally. Noise of such character, intensity, and/or duration as to be unreasonably loud and disturbing or in disturbance of the public peace and welfare, wherever and by whomever committed, is prohibited and declared to be a nuisance.
3. (3) Noise standards. It is also specifically prohibited and declared to be a nuisance for any person at any location within the city to create such noise, as described in subsection (b) of this section, on property owned, leased, occupied, or otherwise controlled by such person. Where the resulting noise level, when measured on any other property within the city, exceeds the noise standards below, this in and of itself shall constitute violation of this subsection. Sound level meter evidence, however, is not required in order to show violation, which may also be established by other evidence.
   
   Noise Standards
   
   

   Noise Level	Time Period
   55 dB(A)	7:00 a.m.--10:00 p.m.
   50 dB(A)	10:00 p.m.--7:00 a.m.

4. (4) Miscellaneous prohibited noises enumerated. The following acts, among others, are declared to be loud, disturbing and unnecessary noises in violation of this section, but this enumeration shall not be deemed to be exclusive, namely:
   1. (a) Blowing horns. The sounding of any horn or signal device on any automobile, motorcycle, bus, streetcar, or other vehicle while not in motion, except as a danger signal if another vehicle is approaching, apparently out of control, or, if in motion, only as a danger signal after or as brakes are being applied and deceleration of the vehicle is intended; the creation by means of any such signal device of any unreasonably loud or harsh sound; and the sounding of such device for an unnecessary and unreasonable period of time.
   2. (b) Radios, phonographs, etc. The playing of any radio, phonograph, or any musical instrument or sound device, including, but not limited to, loudspeakers or other devices for reproduction or amplification of sound, either independently of or in connection with motion pictures, radio or television, in such a manner or with such volume, particularly during the hours between 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m., as to annoy or disturb the quiet, comfort, or repose of person in any office or hospital, or in any dwelling, hotel or other type of residence, or of any person in the vicinity.
   3. (c) Yelling, shouting, hooting, etc. Yelling, shouting, hooting, whistling, or singing on the public streets, particularly between the hours of 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m., or at any time or place so as to annoy or disturb the quiet, comfort or repose of any persons in any hospital, dwelling, hotel or other type of residence or of any person in the vicinity.
   4. (d) Pets. The keeping of any animal, bird or fowl which by causing frequent or long continued noise shall disturb the comfort or repose of any person in the vicinity.
   5. (e) Use of vehicle. The use of any automobile, motorcycle, streetcar, or vehicle so out of repair, so loaded, or in such manner as to cause loud and unnecessary grating, grinding, rattling or other noise.
   6. (f) Blowing whistles. The blowing of any steam whistle attached to any stationary boiler, except to give notice of the time to begin or stop work or as a warning of fire or danger, or upon request of proper municipal authorities.
   7. (g) Exhaust discharge. To discharge into the open air the exhaust of any steam engine, stationary internal combustion engine, motor vehicle, or boat engine, except through a muffler or other device which will effectively prevent loud or explosive noises therefrom.
   8. (h) Building operations. The erection (including excavation), demolition, alteration, or repair of any building in any residential area or section or the construction or repair of streets and highways in any residential area or section, other than between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. on weekdays, except in case of urgent necessity in the interest of public health and safety, and then only with a permit from the city manager granted for a period while the emergency continues not to exceed 30 days. If the city manager should determine that the public health and safety will not be impaired by the erection, demolition, alteration or repair of any building or the excavation of streets and highways between the hours of 6:00 p.m. and 7:30 a.m., and if he shall further determine that loss or inconvenience would result to any party in interest through delay, he may grant permission for such work to be done between the hours of 6:00 p.m. and 7:30 a.m. upon application being made at the time the permit for the work is awarded or during the process of the work.
   9. (i) Noises near schools, hospitals, churches, etc. The creation of any excessive noise on any street adjacent to any hospital or adjacent to any school, institution of learning, church or court while the same is in session.
   10. (j) Loading and unloading operations. The creation of any loud and excessive noise in connection with the loading or unloading of any vehicle or the opening and destruction of bales, boxes, crates, and other containers.
   11. (k) Noises to attract attention. The use of any drum, loudspeaker or other instrument or device emitting noise for the purpose of attracting attention to any performance, show or sale or display of merchandise.
   12. (l) Loudspeakers or amplifiers on vehicles. The use of mechanical loudspeakers or amplifiers on trucks or other moving or standing vehicles for advertising or other purposes.
5. (5) Exceptions. None of the terms or prohibitions hereof shall apply to or be enforced against:
   1. (a) Municipal vehicles. Any vehicle of the city while engaged upon necessary public business.
   2. (b) Repair of streets, etc. Excavations or repairs of bridges, streets, or highways at night, by or on behalf of the city, the county, or the state, when the public welfare and convenience renders it impracticable to perform such work during the day.
   3. (c) Noncommercial and nonprofit use of loudspeakers or amplifiers. The reasonable use of amplifiers or loudspeakers in the course of public addresses which are noncommercial in character and in the course of advertising functions sponsored by nonprofit organizations. However, no such use shall be made until a permit therefor is secured from the city manager. Hours for the use of an amplified or public address system will be designated in the permit so issued and the use of such systems shall be restricted to the hours so designated in the permit.

(Code 1972, § 10-233; Code 1995, § 11-402)