Utica sets A-weighted decibel caps by zone and time. Residential is 55 db(A) day / 50 night, commercial 60/55, light industrial 70/65, and industrial 80/75, measured at the property line. Any noise at or above the limit is unlawful.
Section 2-15-63(b) establishes the maximum permissible sound levels (db(A), Lmax) for each zone. Daytime (7:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m.) versus nighttime figures are: residential 55/50, commercial 60/55, light industrial 70/65 and industrial 80/75. Where a source can be measured from more than one zone, the more restrictive limit governs. Daytime levels may be exceeded by 10 db(A) for up to 15 minutes per hour, and periodic, impulsive or shrill noise must be 5 db(A) lower than the listed values. Measurements are taken at the property line or 25 feet from a right-of-way source.
Noise equal to or above the applicable db(A) limit is declared excessive and unlawful; prosecuted under Sec. 2-15-59 and abatable as a nuisance under Sec. 2-15-60.
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