San Ramon Municipal Code Art. 1 General Provisions

The city council finds that at certain levels, noises are detrimental to the health and welfare of the citizenry and in the public interest should be systematically prescribed. It is the policy of the city to prohibit unnecessary, excessive and annoying noises from all sources. (Prior code § B7-166)

In this chapter, unless the context otherwise requires: Commercial purpose includes the use, operation or maintenance of sound-amplifying equipment for the purpose of advertising business, goods and services, or for the purpose of attracting the attention of the public to, or advertising for, or soliciting patronage to or for a performance, show, entertainment, exhibition or event, or for the purpose of demonstrating any such sound equipment or for the purpose of paging employees or customers. Emergency work means work made necessary to restore property to a safe condition following a public calamity or work required to protect persons or property from an imminent exposure to danger. Noncommercial purpose means the use, operation or maintenance of sound equipment for other than a commercial purpose. "Noncommercial purpose" includes, but is not limited to, philanthropic, political, patriotic, charitable, educational purposes and organized athletic events. Sound-amplifying equipment means any machine or device for the amplification of the human voice, music or any other sound. Sound-amplifying equipment does not include:

1. A standard automobile radio when used and heard only by the occupant of the vehicle in which the radio is installed; or
2. A warning device on authorized emergency vehicle or horn or other warning device used for traffic safety purposes. Sound truck is a motor vehicle regardless of motive power, whether in motion or stationary, having sound-amplifying equipment mounted or attached to it. (Prior code § B7-167)

B6-83.- Standards for determination of violation.

Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, it is unlawful for a person to wilfully make or continue, or cause to be made or continued, a loud, unnecessary or unusual noise which disturbs the peace or quiet of a neighborhood, or which causes discomfort or annoyance to a reasonable person residing in the area. The standards which shall be considered in determining whether a violation of this section exists shall include, but are not limited to, the following: A. Volume of the noise;

City of San Ramon, CA | Municipal Code 166

B. Whether the nature of the noise is usual or unusual; C. Proximity of the noise to residential sleeping facilities; D. Nature and zoning of the area within which the noise emanates; E. Time of day or night the noise occurs; F. Duration of the noise; G. Whether the noise is recurrent, intermittent or constant; and H. Whether the noise is produced by a commercial or noncommercial activity. (Prior code § B7-205)

A. Notwithstanding any provisions of this chapter, the city manager and/or his designee may exempt from the requirements of this chapter any use which would otherwise constitute a violation of said chapter upon a finding that such uses are not detrimental to the public health, safety and welfare and are within the general objectives of this chapter, and shall issue a permit authorizing such use. B. These permits will list such conditions as the city manager and/or his designee feel necessary to safeguard the interests of the general public. C. Permits will be reviewed annually and may be revoked at any time for violation of any condition set forth on the permit. D. The decision of the city manager may be appealed within ten calendar days of such decision to the city council. The decision of the city council will be final. (Prior code §§ B7-216, B6-217)

Actions made necessary to protect the health, safety or general welfare of the public or of their property shall not be a violation of this chapter. (Prior code § B7-221)

B6-86 through B6-90. - Reserved.