Measurement procedure.
Huntsville Code of Ordinances § 12-264
in effectSec. 12-264. - Measurement procedure.
The sound level meter shall be operated in accordance with the instrument manufacturer's instructions and as follows:
(1) Microphone orientation. The microphone shall be pointed towards the allegedly offensive noise source unless the instrument manufacturer's instructions specifically indicate otherwise.
(2) Meter setting. The meter shall be set for the A-weighted network and slow response mode.
(3) Calibration. An external calibration check and battery check shall be made before and after each use.
(4) Meter readings. The recorded reading shall be the highest sound level obtained with the allegedly offensive noise source in operation, disregarding unrelated peaks due to extraneous ambient noises.
(5) Ambient conditions. Measurements shall be made only when the A-weighted ambient sound level, including wind effects and all sources other than the noise source being measured, is at least ten dB(A) lower than the sound level of the noise source being measured; however, no source shall emit noise in excess of 86 dB(A) when measured 25 feet or more from the source.
(6) Sound level measurement. Sound levels shall be measured at the approximate location of the property line or the boundary of the public premises, at a height of at least four feet above the immediate surrounding surface.
(7) System distance. In no case shall the operator or observer be closer than two feet from the system's microphone, nor shall he locate himself between the microphone and the noise source being measured.
(Ord. No. 86-297, § 3.3, 5-8-1986; Ord. No. 88-663, § 1(3.3), 1-12-1988; Ord. No. 94-100, § 3.3, 2-10-1994)
Source: City of Huntsville, Alabama, publisher code (Municode) + enacted ordinances (City Council/Legistar)URL: https://library.municode.com/al/huntsville/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=COOR_CH12ENMA_ARTVNO_DIV2CONOLEST_S12-264MEPRFetched: 11/6/2026