A. Declaration of Policy. It is hereby declared to be the policy of the city to minimize the exposure of citizens to the harmful physiological and psychological effects of excessive noise. It is the express intent of the city council to control the level of noise and to promote and preserve the public health, safety, and welfare while affording protection to free speech activity as required by applicable constitutional law. It is the express intent of the city council to control the level of noise in a manner which promotes commerce; the use, value, and enjoyment of property; sleep and repose; the quality of the environment; and which enables all residents of the city to peacefully coexist in a manner which is mutually respectful of the interests and rights of others.

B. Findings of Special Conditions. The problem of noise in the city has been studied since 1972 by the city. On the basis of this experience and knowledge of conditions within the city, the city council finds that special conditions exist within the city which makes necessary any and all differences between this chapter and the regulations adopted by the Department of Ecology. (Ord. 3509-16 § 1, 2016; Ord. 534-78 § 1, 1978.)