Title
AN ACT CONCERNING NOISE CONTROL for the purpose of clarifying the County noise policy; providing for a certain definition; providing for maximum allowable noise levels; repealing waivers and certain regulations and fees for noise level and noise disturbance standards for construction; repealing certain exceptions; providing for certain exemptions; providing for increased penalties; providing for changes for certain civil citation; providing for the issuance of regulations establishing the equipment and techniques used to measure vibrations effective on a certain date; and generally regarding noise control.
Background
This bill clarifies the County noise policy by providing that the Director may not waive any part of this Division for an outdoor event on private property for which a valid use and occupancy permit has been issued for purposes of sporting, recreational, entertainment establishment, or for any other event to which the public is invited. It changes the exceptions for lawn care, snow removal equipment and other household tools or equipment when used and maintained in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications between the hours of 7:00 am to 8:00 pm. It provides that the exception must be to a source or condition expressly subject to any State or federal noise-control law or regulation that is more stringent than the Noise Control Division.
This bill increases penalties to any person, who after instructed to cease the noise, shall allow or cause a continued violation of this Section shall, upon conviction, be guilty of a misdemeanor and subject to a fine not exceeding [$500.00] $1,000.00 for a first offense, and [$1,000.00] $1,500.00 for each subsequent offense or imprisonment not exceeding thirty (30) days, or both such fine and imprisonment. Each day a violation continues is a separate offense. As an alternative to criminal action, the Director, Police Chief, enforcement officer or police officer may issue a civil citation for any vio...
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