§ 9-1-21. Noise.

(a)

Generally . It is found and declared that:

(1)

The making and creation of excessive, unnecessary, or unusually loud noises within the limits of the city is a condition which has existed for some time and the extent and volume of such noises can increase with continued commercial and residential development;

(2)

The making, creating, or maintenance of such excessive and unnecessary, unnatural or unusually loud noises which are prolonged, unusual or unnatural in their time, place, use, affect, and are a detriment to the public health, comfort, convenience, safety, welfare, and prosperity of the residents of the city; and

(3)

The necessity in the public interest for the provisions and the prohibitions hereinafter contained and enacted, is declared as a matter of legislative determination and public policy, and it is further declared that the provisions and prohibitions hereinafter contained and enacted are in pursuance of and for the purpose of securing and promoting the public health, comfort, convenience, safety, welfare, and prosperity of the city and its inhabitants.

(b)

Excessive noise unlawful . It shall be unlawful for any person to make, continue, or cause to be made or continued any excessive, unnecessary, or unusually loud noise or any noise which either annoys, disturbs, injures, or endangers the comfort, repose, health, peace, or safety of others within the limits of the city.

(c)

Noises prohibited, unnecessary noise standard . The following acts, among others, are declared to be loud, disturbing, and unnecessary noises in violation of this section, but said enumeration shall not be deemed to be exclusive, namely:

(1)

Horns, signaling devices, etc . The sounds of any horn or signaling device on any automobile, motorcycle, streetcar, or other vehicle on any street or public place of the city, except as a warning or danger signal, the creation by means of any such signaling device of any unreasonably loud or harsh sound; and the sounding of any such device for any unnecessary and unreasonable period of time. The use of any signaling device except tone operated by hand or electricity, the use of any horn, whistle, or other device operated by engine exhaust; and the use of any such signaling device when traffic is for any reason held up.

(2)

Radio, phonographs, etc . The noncommercial use, operation, or permitting to be played, used, or operated any radio receiving set, musical instrument, phonograph/disc player, or other machine or device for the producing or reproducing of sound in such a manner as to be plainly audible and distinctive to such a degree that when the sound or vibration is detected, specific attention can be directed to the source of the sound by the hearer. For the purpose of this subsection, "plainly audible" means any sound which clearly can be heard by unimpaired auditory senses based on a direct line of sight however, words or phrases need not be discernible and said sound shall include bass reverberation. Further, for the purpose of this section "distinctive" shall mean sound that is distinguishable from the ambient sound without regard to time or location. When the noise is identified as originating from a vehicle, the operator of the vehicle when moving or the person responsible for the vehicle when stationary, shall be deemed the responsible party for the creation or maintenance of the unusually loud or excessive noise.

(3)

Loud speakers, amplifiers for advertising . The use, operation, or permitting to be played, used, or operated any radio receiving set, musical instrument, phonograph, loudspeaker, sound amplifier, or other machine or device for the producing or reproducing of sound which is broadcast upon the public streets for the purpose of commercial advertising or attracting the attention of the public to any building or structure.

(4)

Yelling, shouting, etc . Yelling, shouting, hooting, whistling, or singing on the public streets, particularly between the hours of 9:00 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 persons of reasonable sensitivity in any office, dwelling, hotel, or other type of residence, or of any persons in the vicinity.

(5)

Animals, birds, etc . The keeping of any animal or bird on residential or commercial premises that causes frequent or long continued noise which disturbs the comfort or repose of any persons in the vicinity.

(6)

Steam whistles . The blowing of any locomotive steam whistle or air driven whistle or horn attached to any stationary device or building 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 city authorities.

(7)

Exhausts . The discharge into the open air of the exhaust of any steam engine, stationary internal combustion engine, motor boat, or motor vehicle except through a muffler or other device which will effectively prevent loud or explosive noises therefrom.

(8)

Defect in vehicle or load . The use of any automobile, motorcycle, or vehicle so out of repair, so loaded or operated in such manner as to create loud and unnecessary grating, grinding, rattling, or other noise.

(9)

Loading, unloading, opening boxes . The creation of a loud and excessive noise in connection with loading or unloading any vehicle or the opening and destruction of bales, boxes, crates, and containers.

(10)

Construction or repairing of buildings. The erection (including excavation), demolition, alteration, or repair of any building at any time on Sundays and at any time other than between the hours of 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Saturdays, except in case of urgent necessity in the interest of public health and safety and then only with a permit from the city administrator or his/her designee. Said permit may be granted for a period not to exceed three (3) days while the emergency continues and may be renewed for period of three (3) days or less while the emergency continues.
This subsection shall apply to licensed contractors and commercial construction only. Normal residential repair and construction by homeowners shall be subject only to the remainder of this section.

(11)

Schools, courts, churches, hospitals . The creation of any excessive noise on any street adjacent to any school, institution of learning, church, or court while the same are in use, or adjacent to any hospital, which unreasonably interferes with the workings of such institution, or which disturbs or unduly annoys patients in the hospital, provided conspicuous signs are displayed in such streets indicating that the same is a school, hospital, or court street.

(12)

Hawkers, peddlers . The shouting and crying of peddlers, hawkers, and vendors that disturbs the peace and quiet in residential neighborhoods.

(13)

Drums . The use of any drum or other instrument or device for the purpose of attracting attention by creation of noise to any performance, show, or sale when creating sound levels in excess of the allowable limits of this section.

(14)

Transportation of metal rails, pillars, and columns . The transportation of rails, pillars, or columns of iron, steel, or other material, over and along streets and other public places upon carts, trays, cars, trucks, or in any other manner so loaded as to cause loud noises or as to disturb the peace and quiet of such streets or other public places.

(15)

Pile drivers, hammers, etc . The operation between the hours of 9:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. of any pile driver, steam shovel, pneumatic hammer derrick, steam or electric hoist or other appliance, the use of which is attended by loud or unusual noise.

(16)

Blowers, mowers and powered yard equipment . The operation of any noise creating fixed or portable blower, chainsaw, or power fan or any internal combustion engine in residential areas between the hours of 9:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. The operation of such devices which cause noise due to the explosion of operating gases or fluids, unless the noises from such blower, fan, or device is equipped with a muffler device sufficient to deaden such noise is prohibited at all times. Use of such equipment in commercial areas shall be subject to the noise limits of this section for those areas. Use of such equipment on golf courses located in residential areas shall be subject to a noise level limit of 65 DBA.

(17)

Motorized vehicles operated in unnecessary, deliberate or intentional way so as to create noise .

a.

No person shall operate within the city limits a motorcycle that exceeds 99 dB, measured in accordance with SAE Stationary Test Method J1287 or similar departmental approved method.

b.

No person shall operate any vehicle within the city limits that uses a muffler cut-out or bypass or other device designed or so installed so that it can be used continually or intermittently to bypass or otherwise reduce or eliminate the effectiveness of a muffler or muffler system.

c.

No person shall operate a motor vehicle within the city limits that is equipped:

1.

With a muffler from which the baffle plates, screens, or other original internal parts have been removed and not replaced; or

2.

With an exhaust system which has been modified in a manner which will amplify or increase the noise emitted by the exhaust.

d.

No person shall operate any motor vehicle within the city limits so as to make any loud or unnecessary noise that results from any one (1) or more of the following actions by the operator to create a per se loud and unnecessary noise:

1.

Misuse of acceleration or braking power that exceeds tire traction limits, sometime known as "burn-outs," "burning rubber," "laying down rubber," or "peeling rubber."

2.

Excessive acceleration or deceleration while in motion where there is no emergency need.

3.

Rapid acceleration by means of quick up shifting of transmission gears with either a clutch or manual transmission or automatic transmission.

4.

Rapid deceleration by means of quick downshifting of transmission gears with either a clutch or manual transmission or an automatic transmission.

5.

Racing or revving of engines by manipulation of the accelerator, gas pedal, or carburetor in applying fuel to the engine in a greater amount than is necessary whether the vehicle is either in motion or standing still.

6.

Operation of the vehicle by intentionally applying unnecessarily excessive acceleration from a stationary position, or unnecessary, deliberate, or intentional burst of acceleration while moving in a non-emergency situation.

(d)

Enforcement factors . In the enforcement of standards established in this section, an enforcement officer may be required to exercise judgment in determining if a particular noise is sufficiently loud or otherwise so offensive that it would unreasonably disturb other persons in the vicinity. If the noises are the result of a legally operating business engaged in their normal operations, the enforcing agency might consider the objective noise level limits listed in this section. However, this does not eliminate the ability and responsibility of the police department or other enforcing agency to make a subjective determination of excessive noise at the time of the complaint or enforcement. When making such determinations, the enforcement officer shall consider the following factors:

(1)

The intensity (sound pressure level) of the noise.

(2)

Whether the nature of the noise is usual or unusual.

(3)

Whether the origin of the noise is natural or man-made.

(4)

The volume and intensity of the background noise, if any.

(5)

The proximity of the noise to residential sleeping facilities during the sleeping hours of 9:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.

(6)

The nature and zoning of the area within which the noise emanates.

(7)

The time of the day or night along with day of the week and time of the year the noise occurs.

(8)

The duration of the noise.

(9)

Whether the noise is recurrent, intermittent or constant.

(e)

Definitions . All technical language used in this section not defined below shall be in conformance with applicable publications of the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) or its successor body. For the purpose of this article, the following words and phrases are defined and shall be construed as defined below unless it shall be apparent from the context that a different meaning is intended.

(1)

Sound . An oscillation in pressure, particle displacement, particle velocity or physical parameter, in a medium with internal forces that cause compression, and rarefaction of that medium resulting in air pressure variations perceptible by the human ear. The description of sound may include any characteristic of such sound, including duration, intensity, and frequency.

(2)

Noise . Any sound which annoys or disturbs humans or which causes or tends to cause an adverse psychological or physiological effect on humans.

(3)

Decibel (dB) . A unit for describing the amplitude of sound, equal to 20 times the logarithm to the base 10 of the ratio of the pressure of the sound measured to the reference pressure, which is 20 micronewtons per square meter.

(4)

Sound pressure level . Twenty times the logarithms to the base 10 of the ratio of the root mean squared (RMS) sound pressure to the reference pressure of 20 micronewtons per square meter.

(5)

Sound level . The unweighted ("flat") or weighted sound pressure level obtained by the use of sound level meter and frequency weighting network, such A, B or C as specified in the American National Standards Institute specifications for sound level meters (ANSI S1.4). If the frequency weighting employed is not indicated, and the A-weighting employed is not indicated, the A-weighting shall apply.

(6)

A-weighted sound level . The sound pressure level in decibels as measured on a sound level meter using an A-weighting network. The level so read is designated dBA.

(7)

Sound level meter . An ANSI standard S1.4 Type 0, I or II class instrument which a microphone, amplifier, RMS detector, integrator or time average (LEQ as defined below), output meter and weighting network used to measure sound pressure levels.

(8)

Slow response . Metering function to be used in measurement of sound for determination of enforcement of the objective noise level limits stated within this section.

(9)

Person . Any individual, association, partnership, or corporation and includes any officer, employee, department, agency, or instrumentality of the United States, the State of South Carolina, or any political subdivisions thereof.

(10)

Sound source . The location or property boundary from which a sound emanates.

(11)

Sound receptor . The location or boundary receiving noise from a sound source.

(12)

Emergency work . Any work performed for the purpose of preventing or alleviating physical trauma or property damage threatened or caused by an existing or imminent peril. The city as outlined above may also declare emergency work.

(13)

Outdoor amplified sound . Any sound using sound equipment, whose sources are inside and the sound propagates to the outside of the building or structure housing the source.

(14)

Muffler . An apparatus consisting of a series of chambers or baffle plates designed for the purpose of transmitting gases while reducing sound emanating from such apparatus.

(f)

Classification of use occupancies . Use occupancies shall be as follows:

(1)

Residential use . All premises containing habitually-occupied sleeping quarters. Hospitals, nursing homes, schools, libraries, fraternity, and sorority houses and churches are considered residential uses.

(2)

Public space . Any area owned, utilized or occupied by a municipal, county, state or federal agency, including but not to, park or recreation areas, streets and sidewalks.

(3)

Commercial . All premises where sales, professional or other commercial activity is legally permitted. Residentially zoned properties with legal home occupations are considered residential.

(4)

Industrial . All premises where goods or wares are made, warehoused or stored or where manufacturing is legally permitted.

(5)

Amusement/outdoor activity . All premises which are designated for indoor and outdoor entertainment and/or recreational activities.

(g)

Measurement methodology . This section describes acceptable methods and techniques for the measurement and reporting of noise for the purpose of determining compliance with the allowable noise levels listed above.

(1)

Measurement location . Measurement of sound must be made at the property line or on the property of the noise source if source and receptor properties share a common property line. In the event that a public roadway, park, body of water, etc., is between the noise source and the receptor properties, the noise shall be measured on the far side of the public space from the noise source property.

(2)

Calibration . All sound level measuring devices must be calibrated by a certified agency, at a minimum once each year.

(3)

Sound level meter . Sound level measurement shall be made with a sound level meter using the A-weighting scale, set on "slow" response.

(4)

Persons using sound level meters . Sound level meters shall be at least Type II meeting American National Standard Institute (ANSI S1.4-1983 requirements). Persons using the sound levels shall be trained in sound level measurement and the operation of sound level measurement equipment.

(5)

Measurement procedures . The following procedures must be followed to obtain representative sound level measurements:

a.

Measurement location must be at least three (3) feet above the ground and not more than 10 feet above ground.

b.

Measurement shall be taken in location at source property boundary line or boundary of public buffer adjacent to source, with line of sight to the noise source if possible.

c.

Measurements must be made with the sound level meter set for "A" weighting and "slow" response.

(6)

Data documentation . A record of all sound level measurements must be completed and signed by the person making the measurements. The record sheet should include:

a.

Date;

b.

Time of measurement;

c.

Location (street address if possible);

d.

Noise source;

e.

Make, model and serial number of sound level meter, date of last certification/calibration;

f.

Field calibration results;

g.

Name of complainant (if available).

(7)

Decibel standards . In addition to the subjective standards established above, it shall be presumed that the allowable noise level limits have been violated whenever any noise or sound is projected from one (1) property in the city onto another if such sound, measured at the boundary of or on the property receiving the sound, exceeds the following decibel standards.

a.

In any RR, R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4 and CP or any Residential PD zoning district:

1.

7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. - 55 dBa.

2.

9:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. - 50 dBa.

b.

In the P, IN, NC, CBD, WRD, FA and MU districts:

1.

7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. - 65 dBa.

2.

10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. - 60 dBa.

c.

In HC, CC PSI districts:

1.

7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. - 70 dBa.

2.

10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. - 65 dBa.

(h)

Exceptions . The following are exempt from the provisions above:

(1)

Sound emanating from scheduled outdoor athletic events or festivals, concerts, or activities operating under permit from the city.

(2)

Noise of safety signals, warning devices, emergency pressure relief values.

(3)

All church bells, church chimes, either actual or electronic, or artificial sound reproduction system intended to sound like church bells or chimes operated between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m.

(4)

Noise resulting from any authorized emergency vehicle.

(5)

Noise resulting from parades, lawful picketing, or other public demonstrations protected by the U.S. Constitution or federal law, for which a local permit has been granted by the city, provided such activity is of temporary duration lasting no longer than two (2) hours during any 24 hour period. Regulation of noise emanating from activities under permit shall be according to the conditions and limits stated in this section and according to any additional conditions stated on permit.

(6)

Un-amplified and amplified sound at public affairs conducted, sponsored, or sanctioned by the city.

(7)

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

(8)

Reserved.

(9)

Noise from trains and associated railroad rolling stock when operated in proper repair and manner.

(10)

Emergency work, as defined above.

(11)

Special event permits . When approved by city council, the city administrator or his designated representative may issue special event permits for events such as (but not limited to) concerts, festivals, parades, and athletic events to permit reasonable and limited exceptions to the provisions of this section. Any special event permit issued shall contain specific provisions as to the activities that will be conducted and dates and times during which the provisions of this section are to be suspended. Specific sources of the noise that may exceed the established sound limits shall be identified; with projected or estimated noise levels and special conditions may be established in the permit that will minimize the noise impact of the special event on the community.

(12)

Annexed or rezoned property . Annexed property that has been granted a nonresidential zoning or is currently operating as a commercial or amusement use shall have 12 months to comply with the allowable noise level limits listed above.

In the event that a transient lodging or residential zoning is being requested adjacent to or within 1,000 feet of an existing non-residential zone, applicant or owner shall demonstrate either through field testing or by use of the Shell Isolation Rating system that planned or existing housing provides 35 dBA of attenuation from outside to inside the building.

(13)

The city administrator or his designated representative may temporarily waive the requirements of this section to permit work of an emergency nature necessary to restore property to a safe condition following a public calamity or work required to protect persons or property from imminent exposure to danger or work by public or private utilities when restoring utility service.

(14)

Solid waste collection and street sweeping at all times in commercial and industrial zoning districts and from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. in residential zoning districts.

(15)

Seasonal spraying of insecticide for mosquito control.

(16)

Reserved.

(Ord. No. 2006-09-25(D), 1/8/07; Ord. No. 2009-05-11(A), 5/11/09; Ord. No. 2017-09-18(A), 9/18/17; Ord. No. 2017-10-16(D), 12/4/17)