Burbank Municipal Code Div. 4 Miscellaneous

A. For those marginal cases where an objectionable noise is clearly audible, but where the measured A-weighted noise level is not violated, sound measurements shall be taken utilizing an octave band sound analyzer and compared to the table on the next page:

Allowable A-Weighted Sound Levels

40 45 50 55 60 65 70 75

Octave Band Frequency Sound Level Limits (In Decibels) For Each Frequency (In Hz)

31.5 63 125 250 500 1000 2000 4000 8000 61 54 47 42 37 34 31 28 25 64 58 51 46 42 39 36 33 30 57 61 55 51 47 44 41 38 35 70 65 60 55 52 49 46 43 40 73 68 64 60 56 54 51 48 45 76 72 68 64 61 59 56 53 50 79 76 72 69 66 64 61 58 55 82 79 76 73 71 69 66 63 60

Where the A-weighted sound level is between any of the figures shown, octave band frequency sound levvel limits for such A-weighted sound level shall be determined by proportionally adjusting the figures shown to the nearest whole figure.

B. Any measured sound pressure level in any octave band exceeding the noise limits prescribed above, as adjusted using the following table, is prohibited:

Adjustment To Be
Condition Added To Values Given
(Decibels)

Steady audible tone such as hum, Minus 5 whine, or screech Continuous impulsive noise such as Minus 5 hammering or riveting Noise occurring more than 5 but less Plus 5 than 15 minutes per hour Noise occurring more than 1 but less Plus 10 than 5 minutes per hour Noise occurring less than 1 minute per Plus 20 hour

[Formerly Numbered Section 21-50; Renumbered by Ord. No. 3058, eff. 2/21/87; 2383.]

Notwithstanding any other provision of this article and in addition thereto, it shall be unlawful for any person to wilfully make or continue any loud, unnecessary or unusual noise which disturbs the peace or quiet of any neighborhood or which causes discomfort or annoyance to any reasonable person of normal sensitiveness residing in the area. The standards which shall be considered in determining whether a violation of this section exists shall include, but not be limited to, the following:

A. The sound pressure level of the noise;

B. The octave band sound pressure level of the noise;

C. Whether the nature of the noise is usual or unusual;

D. Whether the origin of the noise is natural or unnatural;

E. The sound pressure level and octave band sound pressure level of the background noise, if any;

F. The proximity of the noise to residential sleeping facilities;

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

H. The density of the inhabitation of the area within which the noise emanates;

I. The time of the day or night when the noise occurs;

J. The duration of the noise;

K. Whether the noise is recurrent, intermittent or constant; and

L. Whether the noise is produced by a commercial or noncommercial activity. [Formerly Numbered Section 21-51; Renumbered by Ord. No. 3058, eff. 2/21/87; 2383.]

It shall be unlawful for any person to create any noise on any street, sidewalk or public place adjacent to any hospital or to any school, institution of learning or church while the same is in use, which noise 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, sidewalk or public place indicating the presence of a school, church or hospital. [Formerly Numbered Section 21-52; Renumbered by Ord. No. 3058, eff. 2/21/87; 2383.]