East Palo Alto Municipal Code Art. V Noise Standards

It is unlawful for any person at any location within the city to create any noise, or to allow the creation of any noise on property owned, leased, occupied or otherwise controlled by such person which causes the exterior noise level when measured at any single or multiple family residence, school, hospital, church or public library situated in either the incorporated or unincorporated area adjacent to the city to exceed the noise level standards as set forth in Table I following:

Table I. Receiving Land Use: Single or Multiple Family Residence, School, Hospital, Church or Public Library Properties

Noise Level Standards, dBA

A. In the event the measured background noise level exceeds the applicable noise level standard in any category above, the applicable standard shall be adjusted in five dBA increments so as to encompass the background noise level,

B. Each of the noise level standards specified above shall be reduced by five dBA for simple tone noises, consisting primarily of speech or music, or for recurring or intermittent impulsive noises.

C. If the intruding noise source is continuous and cannot reasonably be stopped for a period of time whereby the background noise level measured while the source is in operation shall be compared directly to the noise level standards in Table I.

(Prior code § 5-7.501)

No person shall, at any location within the city operate, or cause to be operated within a dwelling unit, any source of sound, or create or allow the creation of any noise which causes the noise level when measured inside a receiving dwelling unit with windows in their normal seasonal configuration to exceed the following noise level standards as set forth in Table II following.

Table II. Interior Noise Level Standards—Dwelling Unit

Noise Level Standards, dBA

A. In the event the measured background noise level exceeds the applicable noise level standard in any category above, the applicable standard shall be adjusted in five dBA increments so to encompass the background noise level.

B. Each of the noise level standards specified above shall be reduced by five dBA for simple tone noises, noises consisting primarily of speech or music, or for recurring or intermittent impulsive noises.

C. If the intruding noise source is continuous and cannot reasonably be stopped for a period of time whereby the background noise level can be measured, the noise level measured while the source is in operation shall be compared directly to the noise level standards in Table II.

(Prior code § 5-7.502)

Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, it is unlawful for any person to wilfully or negligently make or continue, or cause to be made or continued an unreasonably loud, unnecessary unusual noise which disturbs the peace and quiet of any neighborhood or which causes any discomfort or annoyance to any person of normal sensitivity residing in the area. The factors which shall be considered in determining whether a violation of the provisions of this section exist include the following:

A. The sound level of the objectionable noise;

B. The sound level of the background noise;

C. The proximity of the noise to residential sleeping or hospital facilities;

D. The nature and zoning of the area from which the noise emanates and upon which the noise impacts;

E. The number of persons affected by the noise sources;

F. The time of day or night the noise occurs;

G. The duration of the noise and its tonal, formational or musical content;

H. Whether the noise is continuous, recurrent or intermittent;

I. Whether the noise is produced by a commercial or noncommercial activity.

(Prior code § 5-7.503)