§ 11-26. Exemptions.

The following are exempt from the provisions of this article:

(a)

Sound emanating from scheduled outdoor athletic events.

(b)

Noise of safety signals, warning devices, emergency pressure relief valves and all school and church bells. For purposes of this subsection, the term "school and church bells" shall include electronic devices or artificial sound reproduction systems intended to sound like bells.

(c)

Noise resulting from any authorized emergency vehicle.

(d)

Noise resulting from parades, lawful picketing or other public demonstrations protected by the U.S. Constitution or federal law, or for which a local permit has been granted by the city, provided such activity is of a temporary duration lasting no longer than two (2) hours during any twenty-four-hour period. Regulation of noise emanating from activities under permit shall be according to the conditions and limits stated in this chapter and according to any additional conditions stated on the permit.

(e)

Unamplified and amplified sound at street fairs conducted, sponsored or sanctioned by the city.

(f)

All noises coming from the normal operations of properly equipped aircraft (not including scale model aircraft).

(g)

Noise from noisemakers on holidays and fireworks on holidays or at times allowed under a pyrotechnics permit issued pursuant to Article 54, Chapter 14 of the General Statutes of North Carolina.

(h)

Lawn mowers used between daylight hours 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. when operated with all the manufacturer's standard mufflers and noise-reducing equipment in use and in proper operating condition.

(i)

Agricultural equipment when operated with all the manufacturer's standard mufflers and noise-reducing equipment in use and in proper operating condition.

(j)

Unamplified and amplified sound at community concerts conducted, sponsored or sanctioned by the city.

(k)

Practice sessions or performances by marching bands.

(l)

Noise from trains and associated railroad rolling stock when operated in proper repair and manner.

(m)

Emergency work performed for the purpose of preventing or alleviating physical trauma or property damage threatened or caused by an existing imminent peril.

(Ord. of 8-1-2000, § 6)