§ 16-108. Specific prohibitions.

The following specified acts and circumstances are hereby declared to constitute prohibited noise disturbances in residential areas in violation of this article; provided however, such enumeration is not and shall not be deemed to be exclusive; provided further that all other acts and circumstances meeting the definition of noise disturbance are likewise declared to be in violation of this article.

(1)

Radios, televisions, musical instruments and similar devices, and amplified human voice. Playing or permitting the playing of any radio, television, musical instrument or similar device, whether amplified or not amplified, or amplifying the human voice in such a manner or with such volume as to annoy or disturb the quiet, comfort and repose of a reasonable person in any type of residence or place of business; provided, however, this prohibition shall not apply to officially sanctioned outdoor entertainment activities in the downtown or urban areas within developments of regional impact, or other master planned communities, so long as such events terminate not later than 10:00 p.m.

(2)

Neighborhood parties and disturbances. Sounds originating from a residence or residential common area as a result of a party or other activities which may otherwise not be considered a noise disturbance under section 16-105 but arises to a noise disturbance due to the time of day or evening.

(3)

Barking dogs. Allowing a dog to bark, howl, or whine continuously between the hours of 9:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. until such noise arises to the level of a noise disturbance under section 16-105. Any person or entity cited for a violation under this specific subsection shall not be subject to the penalties in this article. Instead, any person or entity cited for a violation under this specific subsection shall be subject to the penalties set forth in chapter 4 of the Sumter County Code.

(4)

Maintenance operations. Operation of equipment associated with the following activities between 9:00 p.m. and 6:00 am.: lawn care; soil cultivation; irrigation maintenance; night landscaping; maintenance of trees, hedges and gardens; the use of lawn mowers, saws, and tractors; tree trimming and limb clipping.

(5)

Residential addition and renovation construction. All residential additions and renovation construction for which the county has issued a development permit, provided such activity does not occur between 9:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.

The sheriff's office may defer enforcement against the owner of the animal to Sumter County Animal Services in accordance with chapter 4 of the Sumter County Code if the deputy is unable to personally observe the barking, howling, or whining to determine whether such noise arises to the level of a noise disturbance as defined under section 16-105.

(Ord. No. 2001-6, § 7, 4-10-01; Ord. No. 2004-19, § 1, 7-15-04; Ord. No. 2015-09, § 3, 6-9-15; Ord. No. 2015-09, § 3, 6-9-15; Ord. No. 2016-18, § 3.E., 10-11-16)

Editor's note

See the editor's note following § 16-106.