Vibration and airblast overpressure levels.
Huntsville Code of Ordinances § 12-71
in effectSec. 12-71. - Vibration and airblast overpressure levels.
(a) Except as otherwise authorized in this article, the allowable ground vibration and airblast overpressure levels resulting from the detonation of explosives are as follows:
(1) For ground vibration, levels not to be exceeded at any time are 0.50 inch per second peak particle velocity for frequencies below 40 Hz and 2.00 inches per second for frequencies equal to and greater than 40 Hz; except that if the measured ground vibration level continuously exceeds 0.50 inch per second particle velocity after a period of one second following the maximum particle velocity, the charge weight per delay shall be reduced so that the particle velocity does not exceed 0.50 inch per second.
(2) For airblast overpressure, levels not to be exceeded at any time are 129 peak dB L (linear) - 0.1 Hz high-pass system; 128 peak dB L (linear) - two Hz high-pass system; and 124 peak dB L (linear) - five or six Hz high-pass system.
(b) The requirements established within this section apply to any property of concern but no closer than at or beyond the property line of property under the control—through ownership or lease or other contractual arrangement—of persons having the blasting operation performed. Where a conflict exists regarding the location or determination of which property line applies, the nearest building structure shall be considered as being at or beyond the property line of persons having the blasting operation performed.
(Ord. No. 89-482, § VII, 8-30-1989)
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_ARTIIIBL_DIV1GE_S12-71VIAIOVLEFetched: 11/6/2026