Title
Introduce, waive reading, and set July 23, 2019, at 1:30 p.m. as the date and time to consider adoption of an ordinance of the County of Monterey, State of California, amending Chapter 10.60 Code regulating noise control, adding of a "plainly audible" noise detection standard and changing the classification for this violation to a misdemeanor.
Proposed CEQA Action: Categorically exempt per Section 15061(b)(3) of the CEQA Guidelines.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors:
a. Find the adoption of the ordinance is categorically exempt per Section 15061(b)(3) of the CEQA Guidelines; and
b. Introduce, waive reading, and set July 23, 2019 at 1:30 as the date and time to consider adoption of the proposed ordinance (Attachment A) amending Chapter 10.60 of the Monterey County Code relating to noise control.
SUMMARY:
The proposed ordinance (Attachment A) amends Chapter 10.60 of the Monterey County Code regulating noise.
Existing County regulations prohibit operation of noise producing devices whose noise exceeds 85 dBA measured fifty feet therefrom and prohibits nighttime noises at certain noise levels between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m.
This proposed ordinance adds a "plainly audible" noise detection standard based on the sound level detected by a reasonable person of ordinary sensitivities using his or her unaided hearing faculties. It prohibits noise-producing devices whose noise is plainly audible at one hundred fifty (150) feet from the source and prohibiting nighttime noise that is "plainly audible" at fifty (50) feet in any direction from the source. The ordinance also classifies the violation of this Chapter as a misdemeanor.
The ordinance will take effect on the thirty-first day after adoption.
DISCUSSION:
On December 16, 2014, the Board of Supervisors adopted the current Noise Ordinance that established reasonable noise levels during day and night hours in all areas of the County. In short, the ordinance establi...
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