Printable VersionAt a Sept. 23 Work Session of the Lake Havasu City Council, the council requested the Police Department collect decibel readings across the city for a new proposed noise ordinance.
Tuesday, the Police Department will present their findings to the City Council in a Work Session. If approved, the new noise ordinance could change the way the Police Department and the city determines what is an acceptable level within the city limits.
The Police Department would have a number of sound-level meters to register sound complaints, which would be determined from the sound levels at the location of the complaint, based upon the loudness from the origin of the complaint and the location of business or home where the complaint was filed. The meters include a microphone, amplifier, an output meter and frequency weighting networks used to measure sound levels.
The new ordinance would be defined with a number of exemptions when machinery is functioning in accordance with manufacturer’s specifications. Such exemptions include air-conditioning, pool or spa equipment, lawn maintenance equipment, school, governmental or community group activities, warning or alarm devices, emergency vehicles, construction, church bells or chimes, sporting events, traffic, special events, parades and motorcades approved by the City Council, City Clerk’s office or Developmental Services Department, noise resulting from animals, which would include animal boarding and veterinarian facilities, as well as, animal shelters and noise resulting from the Lake Havasu Municipal Airport.
Allowable noise levels would differ for certain days of the week.
Sunday through Thursday between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. noise levels would be permitted no higher than 55 decibels. Between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m. the maximum level would be set at 65 dB. On holidays, Fridays and Saturdays, the same noise levels would apply with exception they would be established beginning and ending at 12 a.m. instead of 10 p.m. for residential areas.
Noise levels permitted for business areas would be somewhat higher. Levels between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. could be no louder than 60 dB. Between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m. levels could register no higher than 75 dB for all days of the week and including holidays.
Manufacturing and industrial properties would have equally set levels for everyday of the week, including holidays, beginning at 60 dB from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. and 85 dB between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m.
Holidays include New Year’s Eve, New Year’s Day, Christmas, St. Patrick’s Day, Memorial and Labor Day, 4th of July, Veterans Day and Thanksgiving.
Measurements would apply to any length of time beyond five minutes or the noise standard plus 10 dB at any time.
Any person found guilty of violating the code, would be convicted of a misdemeanor and could face fines of up to $2,500 or six months in jail.
Any business found guilty would be guilty of a misdemeanor and could face fines up to $20,000.
The Work Session will be held Tuesday, Dec. 23, at 5 p.m. inside the council chambers at the Police Facility. It is open to the public.
You may contact this reporter at twaggoner@havasunews.com
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