Piedmont Municipal Code § 12.8 Noise Declared Nuisance

Notwithstanding any other provision of this Code, and in addition thereto, it is unlawful for any person to willfully make or continue or cause to be made or continued or to allow any animal to make or continue to make any loud, unnecessary, or unusual noise which disturbs the peace and quiet of any neighborhood or which causes discomfort or annoyance to any reasonable person of normal sensitivity residing in the area. Such noise is declared to be a nuisance.

determining whether a violation of the provisions of this section exists shall include, but not be limited to, the following:

Offenses-Miscellaneous (a) The sound level of the objectionable noise;

(b) The sound level of the ambient noise;

(c) The proximity of the noise to residential sleeping facilities;

(d) The nature and zoning of the area from which the noise emanates;

(e) The density of the inhabitation of the area from which the noise emanates;

(f) The time day or night the noise occurs;

(g) The duration of the noise and its tonal content;

(h) Whether the noise is continuous, recurrent or intermittent;

(i) Whether the noise is produced by a commercial or non-commercial activity;

(j) The intensity of the noise;

(k) Whether the noise is natural or unnatural;

(l) Whether the noise is usual or unusual. (Ord. No. 512 N.S.,12/89)

the following noise is specifically prohibited:

(a) Construction and Demolition. Operating or causing the operation of any tools or equipment used in construction, drilling, repair, alteration or demolition activities between the hours of 6:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. each day, Sunday evening through Saturday morning, and between the hours of 6:00 p.m. and 9:00 a.m. Saturday evening through Sunday morning.

(b) Gasoline-Powered Blower. It shall be unlawful for any person to operate a gasoline-powered device used to blow leaves, dirt or other debris off sidewalks, driveways, lawns or other surfaces within any area of the City except that gasoline-powered leaf blowers may be used by public agencies on publicly-owned or operated facilities. (Ord. No. 517 N.S., 3/90)

(a) Emergency Repairs. Emergency work conducted by public service utilities or governmental agencies shall be exempt from the provisions of this ordinance; provided that in the case of such emergency work, the public service utilities or government agencies involved shall promptly contact the Piedmont Police Department prior to or within 30 minutes after commencing such emergency

Offenses-Miscellaneous work, providing the Police Department with the exact location of the work, the time anticipated to complete the work, the nature of the work to be performed, and whether any assistance from the Police Department or other City services are anticipated in connection with such emergency work.

(b) Other. The City Administrator may grant temporary written exceptions to the Noise Ordinance upon the showing of good cause by the applicant. (Ord. No. 512 N.S., 12/89)

Violation of any provision of the Noise Ordinance shall be an infraction. The City Council shall set the fine for violations from time to time by resolution.
(Ord. No. 512 N.S., 12/89)