Notes on noise

From an NY times article on wind turbines producing too much noise:

Maine, along with many other states, puts a general limit on nighttime noise at 45 decibels — roughly equivalent to the sound of a humming refrigerator. A normal conversation is in the range of 50 to 60 decibels.

Emphasis mine.

From the Durham NC Code of Ordinances:

(d) Particular standards established:
(1) In addition to the violations established by subsections (a) and (b) of this section, no person shall cause, produce, or allow any mechanically or electronically produced or amplified sound that: (i) exceeds the levels set out in subsection (d) of this section as such sound is measured at any point beyond the boundary of the property from which the sound emanates, and (ii) is not authorized by a permit issued pursuant to the City Code or state or federal authority; or otherwise exempted from regulation by the exceptions established by subsection (e) of this section;
(2) No nighttime (11:00 p.m.--8:00 a.m.) sound level shall exceed 50 dB(A);
(3) No daytime or evening (after 8:00 a.m.--before 11:00 p.m.) sound level shall exceed 60 dB(A);

Got that?

Durham has a law which states that you can't make any mechanical or amplified sound that is audible beyond the boundary of your property louder than a typical conversation, and at night it can't even be that loud, unless you've got a permit.

Does every car that rattles my windows have a permit for amplified music? Or is this just another feel-good ordinance passed by our elected officials to tell themselves how wonderful the quality of life is here in Durham? Is there any enforcement mechanism for this section of the ordinance?

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