This morning, the Salt Lake Valley Health Department will consider updating it to cover modern noisemakers, such as off-road vehicles and helicopter tours of Christmas lights. The flights would be banned near homes between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m.

If eventually approved by the health board - a public hearing must first take place, likely in a month - the new noise rules would affect nearly everyone: Jazz fans, skateboarders, politicians and loud mouths.

One proposed new rule says venues in which sound exceeds 95 decibels - which can happen during sold-out Jazz games - would have to post a warning sign telling fans they could suffer permanent hearing damage. Noise above 100 decibels would be a no-no - even though playoff games generate levels at 105, according to the Health Department.

Another proposed rule would forbid building skateboard, bike or snowboard ramps in neighborhoods - official city skate parks would be exempt - because the constant scraping can grate on the ears and the psyche.

There would be no more honk-and-waves by politicians or protesters: Horn honking is for emergencies only, the rule notes. That would mean no honking to pick up a friend, either.

"If you're in an area where somebody is campaigning, there's a lot of excitement. There's a lot of adrenaline flowing. It will distract somebody and cause an accident. It could also cause road rage," said James Bennett, an environmental health-compliance specialist for the Health Department.

There's even a proposed rule for "shouting and loud conversations:" If someone's shouting lasts more than 10 seconds and can be heard 100 feet away, it would be a violation.

Noting current noise regulations were originally written 24 years ago, Bennett said the goal is to bring them up to date, protect residential zones and make it easier for police officers to enforce the rules. Violations could be pursued in criminal or civil court.

The proposal keeps the current 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. "curfew" in place for most noises like loud music, garbage collection, construction and church bells. Bennett said some residents want the county to be more restrictive, banning construction noise for longer period of time on weekends, for example. He said cities can be more restrictive if they want.

Motor vehicle noise is one of the top complaint generators. Proposed rules include: No squealing or screeching tires, no car alarms lasting more than three minutes, no rebuilding, testing or idling vehicles near homes during the noise curfew.

Retailers would have to post signs that warn consumers that if they buy mufflers or exhaust systems that don't fit their vehicles, they could be violating the noise-pollution rule. Bennett said such "performance mufflers" can add 20 more decibels.

Noise from amplified sound or music can also bothers residents. The department already regulates music from outdoor concerts; the new rule would add crowd noise like applause and cheering - banning it after 10 p.m. if it could be heard beyond the venue at nearby homes. Music booming from vehicles after 10 p.m. would also be banned.

The new rule would relax some restrictions. The current rule bars fireworks by residents after 10 p.m., Bennett said. The new rule would allow fireworks and the like until 12:30 a.m. for New Year's Eve and Chinese New Year.

And when the snow piles up over night, you wouldn't have to wait until 7 a.m. to shovel; you could start two hours earlier.

hmay@sltrib.com