Title
Adding a new Chapter 21-3800 to The Philadelphia Code, entitled “Sound Amplification Devices on Public Bodies of Water,” to establish certain restrictions related to the use of sound amplification devices and provide for remedies for violations, all under certain terms and conditions.
Body
THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA HEREBY ORDAINS:
SECTION 1. Title 21 of The Philadelphia Code is hereby amended to read as follows:
TITLE 21. MISCELLANEOUS
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CHAPTER 21-3800. SOUND AMPLIFICATION DEVICES ON PUBLIC BODIES OF WATER
§ 21-3801. Definitions
(1) Plainly audible. A sound that can be detected by a person using unaided hearing faculties.
(2) Public body of water. Any body of water within the City that is legally open to the use of the public. Public bodies of water may include, but are not limited to, ponds, lakes, creeks, and rivers.
(3) Sound amplification device. Any electronically powered, operated, or assisted device that amplifies sound. A sound amplification device includes, but is not limited to, any system of public address, bullhorn, music or voice amplifier, portable speaker, megaphone, or similar device.
(4) Water vessel. Every form of watercraft, floatation device, floating structure, or other artificial contrivance used, or capable of being used, as a means of transportation on water.
§ 21-3802. Restrictions on Use of Sound Amplification Devices on Public Bodies of Water.
No person, while swimming in, floating upon, or using or operating a water vessel in a public body of water shall use or operate a sound amplification device at a sound level that is plainly audible at a distance of greater than one hundred (100) feet from such device; provided, however that this Section shall not apply to the use of a sound amplification device for the purpose of preventing an accident; seeking, providing, or facilitating assistance in an emergency; or in connection with law enforcement.
§ 21-3803. Penalties and Enforcement.
A violatio...
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