§ 215.780. Noise.

A. 

Loud And Unnecessary Noise Prohibited.

1. 

The creation of any unreasonably loud, disturbing or unnecessary noise in the City is prohibited.

2. 

All emergency alarm systems equipped with any exterior sound-producing devices including, but not limited to, gongs, buzzers, sirens, bells or horns shall be equipped with a time device which limits the operation of such exterior sound-producing device to fifteen (15) minutes, except that in the case of commercial and business installations, they shall be allowed a limit of thirty (30) minutes.

B. 

Certain Prohibited Noises Enumerated. The following acts, among others, are declared to be loud, disturbing and unnecessary noises in violation of Subsection (A) of this Section, but this enumeration shall not be deemed to be exclusive:

1. 

Vehicle horns, etc. The sounding of any horn or signal device on any streetcar, motorbus, motorcycle, automobile or other vehicle while not in motion on a public street or highway except as a danger signal if another vehicle is approaching apparently out of control; or, if in motion, the excessive or prolonged sounding except only as a danger signal, after or as brakes are being applied and deceleration of a vehicle is intended; the creation by means of any such signal device of any unreasonably loud or harsh sound, and the sounding of such device for an unnecessary or unreasonable period of time.

2. 

Playing radios, etc. The playing of any radio, phonograph or other musical instrument in such a manner or with such volume as to tend to annoy or disturb the quiet, comfort or repose of persons in any dwelling, hotel or other type of residence; provided that any such noise that can be distinctly heard at a distance of more than one hundred (100) feet from its source shall be deemed excessive.

3. 

Animals, fowl, etc. It is unlawful to keep any animal, bird or fowl which causes frequent and long-continued noise that can be distinctly heard at a distance of more than one hundred (100) feet from its source.

4. 

Vehicular noise generally. The use of any automobile, motorcycle, streetcar or vehicle so out of repair, so loaded or in such manner as to create loud and unnecessary grating, grinding, rattling or other noise.

5. 

Steam whistles, etc. The blowing of any steam whistle attached to any stationary boiler, or any other whistle or siren, except to give notice of the time to begin or stop work or as a warning of danger, or the use of steam under pressure for cleaning purposes in any establishment between the hours of 10:00 P.M. and 7:00 A.M. when the windows of such establishment are open.

6. 

Exhausts, etc. The discharge into the open air of the blow down of any steam engine or of the exhaust of any stationary internal combustion engine, or motor vehicle, or of the escape valve from the unloader of any air compressor except through a muffler or other device which will effectively prevent loud or explosive noises therefrom.

7. 

Alteration, demolition, etc., of buildings. The erection (including excavating), demolition, alteration or repair of any building or other structure between the hours of 10:00 P.M. and 7:00 A.M. and on Sunday, except in case of urgent necessity in the interest of public safety and then only with a permit from the Building Commissioner, which permit will be renewed for a period of three (3) days or less while the emergency continues.

8. 

Excessive or unnecessary noise in hospital, etc., zones. The creation of any excessive or unnecessary noise within one hundred fifty (150) feet of any portion of the grounds and premises on which is located a hospital or other institution reserved for the sick, or any church or any school or other institution of learning while the same are in session, which unreasonably interferes with the proper functioning of any such place above mentioned; provided that conspicuous signs are placed in the public highways indicating the zones within which such noises are prohibited. The Director of Public Works and Parks is authorized and directed to cause to be placed as many signs as he/she may deem necessary to properly indicate such quiet zones and to call attention to the prohibition of excessive or unnecessary noises within such zones.

9. 

Loudspeakers, calling, etc. The use of any loudspeaker or other instrument or device, unless a permit be obtained therefor from the City Manager, which permit shall specify the place where such device is to be used and the hours thereof; or the unnecessary calling with the voice for the purpose of attracting attention by the creation of noise or for advertising purposes.