§ 11-56-1. Definitions.

For the purposes of this chapter, certain words and phrases used herein are defined as follows:

Ambient noise is the all-encompassing noise associated with a given environment being usually a composite of sounds from many sources, near and far.

A-weighted level is the total sound pressure level of all noise as measured with a sound level meter using the A-weighting network. The unit of measurement is the dB(A).

Band pressure level of sound for a specified frequency band is the sound pressure level for the sound contained within the restricted band. The reference pressure must be specified.

Cycle is the complete sequence of values of a periodic quantity that occurs during a period.

Decibel or dB, is one-tenth of a decibel and is a unit of level when the base of the logarithm is the tenth root of ten, and the quantities concerned are proportional to power.

Sound analyzer is a device for measuring the band pressure level or pressure spectrum level of a sound as a function of frequency.

Sound level meter is an instrument, including a microphone, an amplifier, an output meter, and frequency-weighting networks for the measurement of noise and sound levels in a specified manner.

Sound pressure level, in decibels of sound, is 20 times the logarithm to the base ten of the ratio of the pressure of this sound to the reference pressure, which reference pressure is for the purposes of this chapter a reference pressure of 20 micro-newtons per meter squared.

All technical definitions are in accordance with American National Standards Institute S1. 1-1960 entitled "Acoustical Terminology."

(Code 1967, § 23-132; Code 1985, § 21-350(a); Ord. No. 2106, § 1, 8-20-1974)