Bell Municipal Code Ch. 8.28 Noise

In order to control unnecessary, excessive and annoying noise in the city, it is declared to be the policy of the city to prohibit such noise generated from any source as specified in this chapter. It shall be the policy of the city to maintain quiet in those areas which exhibit low noise levels and to implement programs aimed at reducing noise in those areas within the city where noise levels are above acceptable values. It is determined that certain noise levels are detrimental to the public, health, welfare and safety and, contrary to public interest.

(Prior code § 3985)

Notwithstanding any other provisions of this chapter, it is unlawful for any person to make, cause or permit any loud or unusual noise to emanate from any activity taking place on real property owned or occupied by such person, which has the effect of disturbing the peace and quiet of the neighborhood, or which directly causes an unreasonable interference with the use, enjoyment and/or possession of any real property owned or occupied by any other person.

(Prior code § 3986)

The following activities shall be exempted from the provisions of this chapter:

A. Emergency Exemption. The emission of sound for the purpose of alerting persons to the existence of an emergency, or the emission of sound in the performance of emergency work;

B. Warning Devices. Warning devices necessary for the protection of public safety, as for example, police, fire and ambulance sirens, and train horns;

C. Outdoor Activities. Activities conducted on public playgrounds and public or private school grounds including but not limited to school athletic and school entertainment events;

D. Railroad Activities. All locomotives and rail cars operated by any railroad which is regulated by California Public Utilities Commission;

E. Federal or State Preempted Activities. Any activity to the extent regulation thereof has been preempted by state or federal law.

(Prior code § 3988)

A. No person shall play, use, or operate or permit to be played, used or operated any radio, receiving set, TV set, musical instrument, phonograph, jukebox or other machine or device for producing or reproducing sound in a manner which disturbs the peace and quiet of any residentially zoned neighborhood.

B. No person shall play, use, operate or permit to be played, used or operated any radio, receiving set, TV set, musical instrument, phonograph, jukebox or other machine or device for producing or reproducing sound between the hours of ten p.m. and seven a.m. on property located in any residential zone and when clearly the same is audible at a distance of 50 feet or more from the building, structure, property or vehicle where the sound is produced.

(Prior code § 3987)

The chief administrative officer or his or her designated representative shall have primary responsibility for the enforcement of the noise regulations contained in this chapter.

(Prior code § 3989(a))

Any person violating any of the provisions of this chapter shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction thereof, shall be punished by a fine of not more than $1,000 or be imprisoned for a period not exceeding six months or by both such fine and imprisonment. Each day such violation is committed or permitted to continue shall constitute a separate offense and shall be punishable as such.

(Prior code § 3989(b); Amended during 1997 codification)