Johns Creek sets sound-pressure limits at receiving residential properties: 55 dBA / 60 dBC daytime (7:01 a.m.-11 p.m.) and 40 dBA / 50 dBC nighttime (11:01 p.m.-7 a.m.). Readings use A- and C-weighting on a Type 2 meter, but a plainly-audible finding can still establish a violation.
Johns Creek's numeric noise limits appear in Section 30-20(a)(2), Table 1, of the Code of Ordinances. For a residential receiving property, the absolute limits are 55 dBA and 60 dBC during the daytime (7:01 a.m. to 11 p.m.) and 40 dBA and 50 dBC at nighttime (11:01 p.m. to 7 a.m.). The 'A-weighting' (dBA) models human hearing sensitivity while 'C-weighting' (dBC) emphasizes low-frequency bass. Section 30-20(a)(4) sets the measurement protocol: sound is measured with A- and C-weighting on a sound level meter meeting at least Type 2 tolerance under ANSI S1.4, at or as near as practicable to the residential boundary, for at least one minute, only when wind (including gusts) is no greater than 15 mph, never when the meter could get wet, and only after field calibration. Section 30-20(a)(3) adds that where background sound at the receiving home already exceeds the table levels, the source may not exceed that background level. Importantly, Section 30-20(a)(2) states that the existence of these meter standards never prevents a violation if the sound is 'plainly audible' under Section 30-20(a)(1). These limits target entertainment-venue music and amplified sound rather than every household sound.
Exceeding the Table 1 limits is a nuisance violation under Chapter 30. Repeat violations draw the Section 30-22(d) progressive minimum fines of $250 (second), $500 (third), and $1,000 (fourth or more) within a rolling 12-month period, and the Section 1-7 general penalty allows a fine up to $1,000 and/or six months imprisonment, with each day a separate offense.
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