HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution 41-92 RESOLUTION NO. 41-92
A RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
ATASCADERO APPROVING THE ADOPTION OF AN UPDATED NOISE
ELEMENT TO BE INCORPORATED AS NEW CHAPTER IV OF THE
GENERAL PLAN. (GPA 1C-91 - City of Atascadero)
WHEREAS, the City of Atascadero has grown considerably since
incorporation; and
WHEREAS, the City's General Plan, which was prepared in the
1970's and adopted in 1980 to guide the City' s general growth is
in need of updating; and
WHEREAS, the City has undertaken a comprehensive update
program in conjunction with San Luis Obispo County and its
Cities;
WHEREAS; the Planning Commission of the City of Atascadero
conducted a public hearing on the subject amendment on March 17,
1992; and
WHEREAS, Government Code Section 65356 provides that a
General Plan be amended by the adoption of a resolution; and
WHEREAS, the Council of the City of Atascadero finds as
follows:
1. The proposed Noise Element reflects policies and
standards appropriate for the city of Atascadero.
2. The proposed General Plan amendment will not have a
significant adverse affect on the environment. The
Negative Declaration prepared for the project is
adequate.
THEREFORE, the Council of the City of Atascadero does
resolve to approve General Plan Amendment GPA 1C-91 as follows:
1. Amendment to the General Plan by adoption of an updated
Noise Element to be incorporated as Chapter IV, as
contained in attached Exhibit A.
2. Rescinds chapter XII Noise of the 1980 General Plan.
3. Incorporates the following additional materials by
reference into the Technical Appendix: Noise Element
Technical Reference Document, September, 1991; Noise
Element Acoustical Design Manual, September, 1991.
Resolution No. 41-92
Page 2
On motion by Councilman Dexter and seconded by Councilwoman
Borgeson , the foregoing resolution is hereby adopted in its
entirety by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Lilley, Nimmo, Borgeson, Dexter and
Mayor Shiers
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ADOPTED: May 12, 1992
CITY OF ATASCADERO, CA
By:
AL EN SHIERS, Mayor
ATTEST,*
LLFE RABOIN, City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
ART ER MON DON, City Attorney
PREPARED BY:
HENRY ENGE , Comm n'ty Development Director
RESOLUTION NO. 41-92
EXHIBIT "A
NOISE ELEMENT OF THE GENERAL PLAN
(on file under separate cover in the City Clerk's Office
or the Community Development Department)
CITY CLERK
"A -
OFFICE EXHIBIT "A"
RESOLUTION 41-92
NOISE ELEMENT OF THE GENERAL PLAN
CITY OF ATASCADERO, CALIFORNIA
VOLUME I - POLICY DOCUMENT
PREPARED FOR
CITY OF ATASCADERO
PREPARED BY
BROWN-BUNTIN ASSOCIATES, INC.
319 WEST SCHOOL AVENUE
VISALIA, CALIFORNIA 93291
SEPTEMBER 1991
POLICY DOCUMENT -NOISE ELEMENT, VOLUME I
TABLE OF CONTENTS
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY IV -4
CHAPTER ONE IV -5
INTRODUCTION
A. Purpose and Scope
B. Authority
C. Relationship to Other Elements of the General Plan
D. Noise And Its Effects On People
E. Definitions
CHAPTER TWO IV -8
THE NOISE ENVIRONMENT
A. Overview of Sources
B. Methods Used to Develop Noise Exposure Information
C. Determining Noise Exposure and Mitigation for Specific Locations
D. Community Noise Survey
CHAPTER THREE IV -13
GOALS AND POLICIES
A. Goals
B. Land Use Compatibility -Transportation
C. Policies
CHAPTER FOUR IV -18
IMPLEMENTATION MEASURES
APPENDICES
A. Noise Contour Maps (1990)
B. Noise Contour Maps (Buildout)
TECHNICAL REFERENCE DOCUMENT - NOISE ELEMENT, VOLUME 11 Adopted by reference
ACOUSTICAL DESIGN MANUAL - NOISE ELEMENT, VOLUME 111 Adopted by reference
IV- 2
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure
2-1 Chart for Locating Noise Exposure Information IV -10
2-2 Flow Chart for Determining Noise Exposure and Mitigation IV -11
3-1 Land Use Compatibility Guidelines for New Development
near Transportation Noise Sources IV -14
LIST OF TABLES
Table
2-1 Adjustments to Traffic Noise Exposure for Topography IV -9
3-1 Maximum Allowable Noise Exposure - Transportation Noise Sources IV -16
3-2 Maximum Allowable Noise Exposure - Stationary Noise Sources IV -17
4-1 Requirements for an Acoustical Analysis IV -21
IV- 3
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The City of Atascadero Noise Element of the General Plan provides a policy framework for addressing
potential noise impacts in the planning process. Its purpose is to minimize future noise conflicts. The
Noise Element consists of a Policy Document Technical Reference Document and Acoustical Design
Manual.
The Policy Document includes maps showing the extent of noise exposure from the major noise sources
in the city (roadways and railways) along with the goals, policies and implementation program adopted by
the city to reduce future noise impacts. Among the most significant polices of the Noise Element are
numerical noise standards that limit noise exposure within noise -sensitive land uses, and performance
standards for new commercial and industrial uses that might adversely impact noise -sensitive land uses.
When the potential for adverse noise impacts is identified, mitigation is required to carry out the specific
recommendations of an expert in acoustics or, under some circumstances, by implementing standard noise
mitigation packages. When mitigation is required, highest priority is given to avoiding or reducing noise
impacts through site planning and project design, and lowest priority given to structural mitigation measures
such as construction of sound walls and acoustical treatment of buildings.
The Technical Reference Document contains background information on the data and methods used to
prepare noise exposure information and an inventory of the major noise sources in the city. Information
about the measurement and effects of noise is also included in the document. The Technical Reference
Document is intended to be a resource when evaluating the noise -related implications of a project.
The purpose of the Acoustical Design Manual is to provide city staff, developers, builders, and homeowners
with a guide for reducing outdoor and indoor noise in relatively simple situations. The Manual contains
standard noise mitigation packages which in some situations may be used in lieu of an acoustical analysis
prepared by a professional.
IV- 4
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
A. Purpose and Scope
The Noise Element of the General Plan is a planning document which provides a policy framework within
which potential noise impacts may be addressed during project review and long range planning. This
element has been adopted by Atascadero in conformance with Section 65302 (f) of the California
Government Code. The Noise Element consists of this Policy Document, a Technical Reference
Document and an Acoustical Design Manual.
The Technical Reference Document provides detailed information concerning the methods used to define
existing and future noise exposure within Atascadero. The Acoustical Design Manual provides standard
noise mitigation packages which may be used under some circumstances to comply with the policies of
the Noise Element. It also contains background information to assist staff and the general public in
evaluating the effectiveness of proposed noise mitigation measures.
The Noise Element is directed at minimizing future noise conflicts, whereas a noise ordinance focuses at
resolving existing noise conflicts. A noise ordinance may be used to address noise levels generated by
existing industrial, commercial and residential uses which are not regulated by federal or state noise level
standards. The regulation of noise sources such as traffic on public roadways, railroad line operations and
aircraft in flight is preempted by existing federal and/or state regulations, meaning that such sources
generally may not be addressed by a noise ordinance. The Noise Element addresses the prevention of
noise conflicts from all of these sources.
The noise level standards of a noise ordinance should be consistent with the adopted policies of the Noise
Element to achieve consistency in the implementation of noise control programs, and to provide industry
with design criteria for future development or expansion.
According to the Government Code requirements, noise exposure information should be included in the
Noise Element for the following major noise sources:
1. Highways and freeways
2. Primary arterials and major local streets
3. Railroad operations
4. Aircraft and airport operations
5. Local industrial facilities
6. Other stationary sources
Noise -sensitive uses that have been identified by the city are the following:
1. Residential development
2. Schools
3. Hospitals, nursing homes
4. Churches
5. Meeting halls, auditoriums, music halls, theaters, libraries
6. Transient lodging - motels and hotels
7. Playgrounds, parks
8. Offices
IV- 5
B. Authority
The contents of the Noise Element and the methods used in its preparation have been determined by the
requirements of Section 65302 (f) of the California Government Code and by the Guidelines for the
Preparation and Content of Noise Elements of the General Plan prepared by the California Department of
Health Services and included in the 1990 State of California General Plan Guidelines, published by the
State Office of Planning and Research. The Guidelines require that major noise sources and areas
containing noise -sensitive land uses be identified and quantified by preparing generalized noise exposure
contours for current and projected conditions. Contours may be prepared in terms of either the Community
Noise Equivalent Level (CNEL) or the Day -Night Average Level (Ldp), which are descriptors of total noise
exposure at a given location for an annual average day. The CNEL and Ldp, are generally considered to
be equivalent descriptors of the community noise environment within plus or minus 1.0 dB (see Section 1.5
for definitions of the terminology used in this document).
C. Relationship to Other Elements of the General Plan
The Noise Element is related to the Land Use, Housing, Circulation and Open Space Elements of the
General Plan. Recognition of the interrelationship of noise and these four mandated elements is necessary
to prepare an internally consistent general plan and to initiate changes which will reduce noise exposure
to acceptable levels in areas where noise presently exceeds the levels set forth by the adopted policies
of the Noise Element. The relationship between these elements is briefly discussed below:
Land Use: An objective of the Noise Element is to provide noise exposure information for use in
the Land Use Element. The noise contours in the Noise Element should be used to help determine
appropriate land use patterns in the Land Use Element.
2. Housing: The Housing Element addresses sites and standards for new housing. Since residential
land uses are noise -sensitive, the noise exposure information of the Noise Element must be
considered when planning the locations of new housing. The State Noise Insulation Standards may
influence the locations and construction costs of multi -family dwellings, which should be considered
by the Housing Element.
3. Circulation: The circulation system, which is a major source of noise, must be correlated with the
Land Use Element. This is especially true for roadways which carry significant numbers of trucks.
Noise exposure will thus be a decisive factor in the location and design of new transportation
facilities, and in the mitigation of noise produced by existing facilities upon existing and planned land
uses.
4. Open Space: Excessive noise adversely affects the enjoyment of recreational pursuits in designated
open space, particularly in areas where quiet is a valued part of the recreational experience. Thus,
noise exposure should be considered in planning for this kind of open space use. Conversely, open
space can be used to buffer noise -sensitive uses from noise sources by providing setbacks and
visual screening.
D. Noise And Its Effects On People
The Technical Reference Document provides discussions of the fundamentals of noise assessment, the
effects of noise on people and criteria for acceptable noise exposure. It is intended that the Technical
Reference Document serve as a reference for staff during the review of documents or proposals which refer
to the measurement and effects of noise.
IV- 6
E. Definitions
1. A -Weighted Sound Level (dB): The sound level obtained by using the A -weighting filter of a sound
level meter, expressed in decibels (dB). All sound levels referred to in this policy document are in
A -weighted decibels. A -weighting de-emphasizes the very low and very high frequencies of sound
in a manner similar to the human ear. Most community noise standards utilize A -weighting, as it
provides a high degree of correlation with human annoyance and health effects.
2. Community Noise Equivalent Level (CNEL): The equivalent energy (or energy average) sound level
during a 24-hour day, obtained after addition of approximately five decibels to sound levels in the
evening from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. and ten decibels to sound levels in the night before 7:00 a.m.
and after 10:00 p.m. The CNEL is generally computed for annual average conditions.
3. Day/Night Average Sound Level (La„l: The equivalent energy (or energy average) sound level during
a 24-hour day, obtained after addition of ten decibels to sound levels in the night after 10:00 p.m.
and before 7:00 a.m. The Ld„ is generally computed for annual average conditions.
4. Equivalent Sound Level (W: : The sound level containing the same total energy as a time varying
signal over a given sample period. Thus, the Leq is a single -valued level that expresses the time -
averaged total energy of a fluctuating sound level. For example, if 64 dB is measured for 10
minutes, 68 dB is measured for 20 minutes and 73 dB is measured for 30 minutes, the 1 -hour Laq
is about 71 dB. The Leq is typically computed over 1, 8 and 24-hour sample periods.
5. . Impulsive Noise: Noise of short duration, usually less than one second, with an abrupt onset and
rapid decay.
6. New Development: Projects requiring land use or building permits, but excluding remodelling or
additions to existing structures.
7. Noise level reduction (NLR): The arithmetic difference between the level of sound outside and inside
a structure measured in decibels. For example, if the sound level outside a house is 70 dB and the
level inside a room of the house is 45 dB, the NLR is 25 dB (70-45=25).
8. Noise -Sensitive Land Use:
a. Churches
b. Meeting halls, auditoriums, music halls, theaters, libraries
C. Transient lodging - motels and hotels
d. Playgrounds, parks
e. Offices
9. Outdoor Activity Areas: Patios, decks, balconies, outdoor eating areas, swimming pool areas, yards
of dwelling units and other areas which have been designated for outdoor activities and recreation.
10. Stationary Noise Source: Any fixed or mobile source not preempted from local control by existing
federal or state regulations. Examples of such sources include industrial and commercial facilities and
vehicle movements on private property (e.g., parking lots, truck terminals, auto race tracks, etc.)
11. Transportation Noise Source: Traffic on public roadways, railroad line operations and aircraft in flight.
Control of noise from these sources is preempted by existing federal or state regulations. However,
the effects of noise from transportation sources may be controlled by regulating the location and
design of land uses affected by transportation noise sources.
IV- 7
CHAPTER TWO
THE NOISE ENVIRONMENT
A. Overview of Sources
Based on discussions with city staff and field studies conducted during the preparation of the Noise
Element, it was determined that there are a number of potentially significant sources of community noise
within Atascadero, including traffic on state highways and other major roadways, railroad operations, and
stationary noise sources. The Technical Reference Document includes detailed discussions of the noise
levels produced by these sources.
B. Methods Used to Develop Noise Exposure Information
Analytical noise modeling techniques in conjunction with actual field noise level measurements were used
to develop generalized Ldp or CNEL contours for major sources of noise within Atascadero for existing and
future conditions.
Analytical noise modeling techniques generally make use of source -specific data, including average levels
of activity, hours of operation, seasonal fluctuations, and average levels of noise from source operations.
Analytical methods have been developed for many environmental noise sources, including roadways,
railroad line operations, railroad yard operations, industrial plants and aircraft/airport operations. Such
methods will produce reliable results as long as data inputs and assumptions are valid for the sources
being studied. The analytical methods used in the preparation of this Noise Element closely follow
recommendations made by the State Office of Noise Control. Methods included the Federal Highway
Administration (FHWA) Highway Traffic Noise Prediction Model for roadway sources, the Wyle Laboratories
method for determining railroad noise exposure and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Integrated
Noise Model (INM) for the assessment of aircraft/airport noise sources. For industrial, commercial and
other stationary sources identified for study, a combination of source -specific noise level data and accepted
calculation procedures was used to characterize noise emissions based upon operational data obtained
from source operators.
The noise exposure information developed during the preparation of the Noise Element does not include
all conceivable sources of industrial or commercial noise within the city, but rather is a representative
sampling of typical sources. The noise exposure information developed for the sources identified for study
should be used only as an indicator of potential noise impacts when other, similar sources are considered.
C. Determining Noise Exposure and Mitigation for Specific Locations
The chart shown in Figure 2-1 illustrates where noise exposure information for a particular location may
be found. Note that Table 2-1 should be consulted to adjust traffic noise exposure in areas with varying
topography. Noise exposure information may be used to determine if a particular land use is consistent
with the policies of the Noise Element, and whether or not noise mitigation should be required as a part
of the project development process. Figure 2-2 is a flow chart which illustrates the process which should
be followed to determine noise exposure and appropriate mitigation for specific locations.
IV- 8
TABLE 2-1
ADJUSTMENTS TO TRAFFIC NOISE EXPOSURE FOR TOPOGRAPHY
Topographical Situation
Hillside overlooks roadway
Roadway is elevated (>15')
Roadway in cut/below embankment
Distance from Center of Roadway
<200' 200-400' >400'
0
-5 dB
Iv- 9
+1 dB
+3 dB
-2 dB
-0-
-5 dB
-5 dB
Topographic adjustments
may be made from Table
2-1 of Policy Document
or Table 3-2 of
Technical Reference
Document
FIGURE 2-1
Chart for Locating Noise Exposure Information
1. Reduced noise contour maps
in Appendix of Policy
Document, or
2. Rolled full-scale noise
contour maps, or
3. Table 3-4 in Technical
Reference Document
1. Reduced noise contour maps
in Appendix of Policy
Document, or
2. Rolled full-scale noise
contour maps, or
3. Table 3-6 in Technical
Reference Document
4.5.=
1. Chapters 3-6 & 3-7 of Technical
Reference Document
10 10
FIGURE 2-2
Flow Chart for Determining
Noise Exposure and Mitigation
START HERE
Determine future noise exposure from
Technical Reference and Policy
Documents of Noise Element
Noise mitigation in
outdoor activity areas
Have all of the following conditions been complied
with?
• <5 single-family dwellings or offices, churches,
meeting halls with<10,000 sq. ft. floor area
• Noise source is a single street, highway or
railroad (airport O.K. for interior mitigation)
• Existing or future noise exposure does not
exceed 65 dB L,/CNEL
• Project site is flat and site 6 noise source are
at about the same elevation
Cannot use Design
Manual. Expert No I Yes May use
should be Design Manual
consulted.
Does noise exposure exceed
thresholds for mitigation in
Figure 3-1 of Policy Document
or standards in Tables 3-1 and
3-2 of the Policy Document?
Mitigation thru site design
Is preferred alternative
(see Appendix A) or
Standard mitigation package
may be used if mitigation
thru site design is not
possible or
Yes
Mitigation required
No
No mitigation
required
Interior noise mitigation
Have all of the following conditions been complied with?
• Required NLR 5 30 dB
• <5 single-family dwellings or offices, churches,
meeting halls with <10,000 sq. ft. floor area
• Noise source is a single street, highway, railroad or
airport
Yes
May use standard mitigation
packages in Design Manual
or
Expert may be
consulted
or
Expert may be
consulted
IV- 11
I No
Cannot use Design
Manual. Expert
should be consulted.
Alternative site design or
building orientation may
reduce need for acoustical
treatment of building
D. Community Noise Survey -
A community noise survey was conducted in Atascadero during August 1990 to document background
noise levels in areas where noise -sensitive land uses are located. Results of the community noise survey
indicate that existing background noise levels in many areas of the city that contain noise -sensitive land
uses are relatively quiet. To preserve quiet conditions, noise level standards and policies (see Chapter 3)
have been adopted which will prevent degradation of the existing noise environment as much as possible.
A more detailed discussion of the community noise survey may be found in the Technical Reference
Document.
IV- 12
CHAPTER THREE
GOALS AND POLICIES
A. Goals
The goals of the Atascadero Noise Element are:
1. To protect the citizens of Atascadero from the harmful and annoying effects of exposure to
excessive noise.
2. To protect the economic base of Atascadero by preventing incompatible land uses from
encroaching upon existing or planned noise -producing uses.
3. To preserve the tranquility of residential areas by preventing the encroachment of noise -
producing uses.
4. To educate the residents of Atascadero concerning the effects of exposure to excessive noise
and the methods available for minimizing such exposure.
5. To avoid or reduce noise impacts through site planning and project design, giving second
preference to the use of noise barriers and/or structural modifications to buildings containing
noise -sensitive land uses.
B. Land Use Compatibility -Transportation
Figure 3-1 shows the ranges of noise exposure from transportation noise sources which are considered
to be acceptable, conditionally acceptable, or unacceptable for the development of different land uses.
Figure 3-1 is used to determine whether mitigation is needed for development of land uses near major
transportation noise sources. In areas where the noise environment is acceptable, new development may
be permitted without requiring noise mitigation. For areas where the noise environment is conditionally
acceptable, new development should be allowed only after noise mitigation has been incorporated into the
design of the project to reduce noise exposure to the levels specified by the policies listed in Section 3.3.
For areas where the noise environment is unacceptable, new development in compliance with the policies
of Section 3.3 is usually not appropriate.
IV- 13
FIGURE 3-1
LAND USE COMPATIBILITY FOR NEW DEVELOPMENT
NEAR TRANSPORTATION NOISE SOURCES*
INTERPRETATION
ACCEPTABLE
Specified land use is
satisfactory. No noise
mitigation measures are
required.
N= CONDITIONALLY ACCEPTABLE
Use should be permitted only
after careful study and
inclusion of protective
measures as needed to
satisfy the policies of
the Noise Element.
UNACCEPTABLE
Development is usually not
* This figure indicates whether mitigation is required. See Table 3-1 for noise standards.
IV- 14
COMMUNITY NOISE EXPOSURE
LAND USE
LDN OR CNEL, dB
55 60 65 70 75 80
RESIDENTIAL, THEATERS,
AUDITORIUMS, MUSIC HALLS
TRANSIENT LODGING -
MOTELS, HOTELS
SCHOOLS, LIBRARIES, MUSEUMS,
HOSPITALS, NURSING HOMES
MEETING HALLS, CHURCHES
PLAYGROUNDS, PARKS
mifn
ON *i*101' 111
OFFICES
INTERPRETATION
ACCEPTABLE
Specified land use is
satisfactory. No noise
mitigation measures are
required.
N= CONDITIONALLY ACCEPTABLE
Use should be permitted only
after careful study and
inclusion of protective
measures as needed to
satisfy the policies of
the Noise Element.
UNACCEPTABLE
Development is usually not
* This figure indicates whether mitigation is required. See Table 3-1 for noise standards.
IV- 14
C. Policies
The following specific policies are adopted by Atascadero to accomplish the goals of the Noise Element:
General:
Policy 1. The noise standards in this chapter represent maximum acceptable noise levels. New
development should minimize noise exposure and noise generation.
Transportation Noise Sources:
Policy 2. New development of noise -sensitive land uses shall not be permitted in areas exposed
to existing or projected future levels of noise from transportation noise sources which
exceed 60 dB Ldp or CNEL (70 LdWCNEL for playgrounds and neighborhood parks)
unless the project design includes effective mitigation measures to reduce noise in
outdoor activity areas and interior spaces to or below the levels specified for the given
land use in Table 3-1.
Policy 3. Noise created by new transportation noise sources, including roadway improvement
projects, shall be mitigated so as not to exceed the levels specified in Table 3-1 within
the outdoor activity areas and interior spaces of existing noise sensitive land uses.
Stationary Noise Sources:
Policy 4. New development of noise -sensitive land uses shall not be permitted where the noise
level due to existing stationary noise sources will exceed the noise level standards of
Table 3-2 unless effective noise mitigation measures have been incorporated into the
design of the development to reduce noise exposure to or below the levels specified
in Table 3-2.
Policy 5. Noise created by new proposed stationary noise sources or existing
stationary noise sources which undergo modifications that may increase
noise levels shall be mitigated so as not to exceed the noise level standards
of Table 3-2 on lands designated for noise -sensitive uses. This policy does
not apply to noise levels associated with agricultural operations.
Existing and Cumulative Noise Impacts:
Policy 6. The city shall consider implementing mitigation measures where existing noise levels
produce significant noise impacts to noise -sensitive land uses or where new
development may result in cumulative increases of noise upon noise -sensitive land
uses.
IV- 15
TABLE 3-1
MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE NOISE EXPOSURE -TRANSPORTATION NOISE SOURCES
Outdoor Activity Areas' Interior Spaces
Land Use LdWCNEL, dB LddCNEL, dB Leq, d62
Residential 603 45 --
Transient Lodging 603 45 --
Hospitals, Nursing Homes 603 45 --
Theaters, Auditoriums,
Music Halls -- -- 35
Churches, Meeting Halls,
Office Buildings 603 -- 45
Schools, Libraries, Museums
-- -- 45
Playgrounds, Neighborhood
Parks 70
' Where the location of outdoor activity areas is unknown, the exterior noise level standard shall be
applied to the property line of the receiving land use.
2 As determined for a typical worst-case hour during periods of use.
3 Where it is not possible to reduce noise in outdoor activity areas to 60 dB LdWCNEL or less using
a practical application of the best -available noise reduction measures, an exterior noise level of
up to 65 dB LdWCNEL may be allowed provided that available exterior noise level reduction
measures have been implemented and interior noise levels are in compliance with this table.
IV- 16
TABLE 3-2
MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE NOISE EXPOSURE -STATIONARY NOISE SOURCES'
Daytime Nighttime
(7 a.m. to 9 p.m.) (9 p.m. to 7 a.m.)
Hourly LeQ, dB2 50 45
Maximum level, dB2 70 65
Maximum level, dB -Impulsive Noise' 65 60
'As determined at the property line of the receiving land use. When determining the effectiveness of noise
mitigation measures, the standards may be applied on the receptor side of noise barriers or other property line
noise mitigation measures.
'Sound level measurements shall be made with slow meter response.
'Sound level measurements shall be made with fast meter response.
IV- 17
CHAPTER FOUR
IMPLEMENTATION MEASURES
To achieve compliance with the policies of the Noise Element, Atascadero shall undertake the following
implementation program. The implementation program focuses on the prevention of new noise -related land
use conflicts by requiring that new development be reviewed to determine whether it complies with the
policies in Chapter 3. If mitigation of noise impacts is necessary it shall be achieved by a) carrying out an
acoustical analysis meeting the requirements of Table 4-1, or b) implementing the standard noise mitigation
packages contained in the Acoustical Design Manual where conditions in the following Section 4.3 are met.
The noise exposure maps in this document and the information concerning the effects of noise on people
and techniques available for noise control in the Technical Reference Document and Acoustical Design
Manual are used in reviewing the noise affects of new development. The Acoustical Design Manual
describes standard noise mitigation packages which may be used to reduce noise exposure inside buildings
and within outdoor activity areas by specified amounts. The noise exposure maps are intended as a
screening device to determine when a proposed development may be exposed to excessive noise levels
which require mitigation and to provide guidance in the long range planning processes. Generally, the
noise exposure maps provide a conservative (worst-case) assessment of noise exposure for the major
noise sources identified for study. It is probable that other major sources, especially stationary sources,
of noise will be identified during the project review process, since only a representative sample of such
sources was evaluated during the preparation of this document.
The -Technical Reference Document and Acoustical Design Manual should be used to guide determinations
of whether or not proposed noise mitigation measures are a reasonable and effective application of the
techniques available, and likely to achieve the desired results. Control of noise at the source and through
the thoughtful location and orientation of receiving uses should be given preference over the control of
noise along the path of transmission through the use of noise barriers or the acoustical treatment of
buildings.
1. The City shall review new public and private development proposals to determine conformance with
the policies of this Noise Element.
2. When mitigation must be applied to satisfy the policies in Chapter 3.3, the following priorities for
mitigation shall be observed, where feasible:
First: Setbacks/open space separation
Second: Site layout/orientation/shielding of noise -sensitive uses with non -noise -sensitive uses
Third: Construction of earthen berms
Fourth: Structural measures: acoustical treatment of buildings and noise barriers constructed
of concrete, wood or materials other than earth
3. Where the development of a project subject to discretionary approval may result in land uses being
exposed to existing or projected future noise levels exceeding the levels specified by the policies in
Chapter 3.3, the city shall require an acoustical analysis at the time the application is accepted for
processing. For development not subject to discretionary approval and/or environmental review, the
requirements for an acoustical analysis shall be implemented prior to the issuance of a building
permit. The requirements for the content of an acoustical analysis are given in Table 4-1. At the
discretion of the city, the requirement for an acoustical analysis may be waived provided that all of
the following conditions are met:
IV- 18
Outdoor Activity Areas
a) The development is for less than five single-family dwellings or for office buildings, churches or
meeting halls having a total gross floor area less than 10,000 square feet.
b) The noise source in question consists of a single roadway or railway for which up-to-date noise
exposure information is available. An acoustical analysis will be required when the noise source
in question is a stationary noise source or airport, or when the noise source consists of multiple
transportation noise sources.
C) The existing or projected future noise exposure at the exterior of buildings which will contain
noise -sensitive uses or within proposed outdoor activity areas (other than playgrounds and
neighborhood parks) does not exceed 65 dB Ldn(or CNEL) prior to mitigation.
d) The topography in the project area is flat, and the noise source and receiving land use are at
the same grade.
Interior Spaces
a) Required Noise Level Reduction (NLR) is equal to or less than 30 dB.
b) The development is for less than five single-family dwellings or for offices, churches, meeting
halls with less than 10,000 sq. ft. floor area.
c) Noise source in question consists of a single roadway, railway or airport for which up-to-date
noise exposure information is available. An acoustical analysis will be required when the noise
source is a stationary noise source or consists of multiple transportation noise sources.
d) Effective noise mitigation, as determined by the city is incorporated into the project design to
reduce noise exposure to the levels specified in Table 3-1 or 3-2. Such measures may include
the use of building setbacks, building orientation, noise barriers and the standard noise
mitigation packages contained within the Acoustical Design Manual. If closed windows are
required for compliance with interior noise level standards, air conditioning or a mechanical
ventilation system will be required.
4. If the Planning Director determines that a noise -sensitive land use may be exposed to noise levels
that exceed the standards in Chapter 3.3, notwithstanding the noise contour information in this Noise
Element, an acoustical analysis meeting the requirements in Table 4-1 may be required. An example
of where this policy may apply is in areas not shown on the noise contour maps of this Noise Element
where the combined impact of two or more noise sources may exceed the standards in Chapter 3.3
5. The City shall develop and employ procedures to ensure that noise mitigation measures required
pursuant to an acoustical analysis are implemented in the development review and building permit
processes.
6. The City shall develop and employ procedures to monitor compliance with the policies of the Noise
Element after completion of projects requiring noise mitigation.
7. The City shall enforce the State Noise Insulation Standards (California Code of Regulations, Title 24)
and Chapter 35 of the Uniform Building Code (UBC).
8. The City shall request the California Highway Patrol, the County Sheriff and local police departments
to actively enforce the California Vehicle Code sections relating to adequate vehicle mufflers and
IV- 19
modified exhaust systems.
9. The City shall purchase new equipment and vehicles only if they comply with noise level performance
standards based upon the best available noise reduction technology. Alternatives to the use of
existing noisy equipment, such as leaf blowers, shall be pursued.
10. The City shall periodically review and update the Noise Element to ensure that noise exposure
information and specific policies are consistent with changing conditions within the city and with noise
control regulations or policies enacted after the adoption of this element.
11. The City shall make the Acoustical Design Manual available to the public so that the public can
incorporate noise reduction measures into private projects consistent with the goals and policies of
this Noise Element.
12. The City shall consider one or more of the following mitigation measures where existing noise levels
significantly impact existing noise -sensitive land uses or where cumulative increase in noise levels
resulting from new development significantly impact noise -sensitive land uses:
a. Rerouting traffic onto streets that have low traffic volumes or onto streets that do not adjoin
noise -sensitive land uses.
b. Rerouting trucks onto streets that do not adjoin noise -sensitive land uses.
C. Construction of noise barriers.
d. Lowering speed limits
e. Acoustical treatment of buildings
f. Programs to pay for noise mitigation such as low cost loans to owners of noise -impacted
properly or establishment of developer fees.
IV- 20
TABLE 4-1
REQUIREMENTS FOR AN ACOUSTICAL ANALYSIS
An acoustical analysis prepared pursuant to the Noise Element shall:
A. Be the financial responsibility of the applicant.
B. Be prepared by a qualified person experienced in the fields of environmental noise
assessment and architectural acoustics.
C. Include representative noise level measurements with sufficient sampling periods and
locations to adequately describe local conditions. Where actual field measurements
cannot be conducted, all sources of information used for calculation purposes shall be
fully described. When the use being studied is a commercial or industrial use, all noise
sources related to the service and maintenance of the facility shall be considered,
including but not limited to parking lot and landscape maintenance, refuse collection and
truck loading/unloading activities, amplified sound, outdoor sales and activities, and all
other noise sources associated with operation, maintenance and service.
D. Estimate existing and projected (20 years) noise levels in terms of the descriptors used in
Tables 3-1 and 3-2, and compare those levels to the adopted policies of the Noise Element.
Projected future noise levels shall take into account noise from planned streets, highways and
road connections.
E. Recommend appropriate mitigation to meet or exceed the policies and standards of the Noise
Element, giving preference to proper site planning and design over mitigation measures which
require the construction of noise barriers or structural modifications to buildings which contain
noise -sensitive land uses.
F. Estimate noise exposure after the prescribed mitigation measures have been implemented.
G. Describe a post -project assessment program which could be used to evaluate the
effectiveness of the proposed mitigation measures.
IV- 21
APPENDIX A
NOISE CONTOUR MAPS (1990)
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NOISE CONTOUR MAPS (BUILDOUT)
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