Understanding Urban Noise Policy and Its Impact
Inadequately controlled noise presents a growing danger to the health and welfare of the Nation's population, particularly in urban areas. Many villages, towns and cities have never had to deal with environmental noise issues until now and are finding the need to tackle this concern by introducing clear, fair and obtainable noise ordinances.
The Noise Control Act of 1972 establishes a national policy to promote an environment for all Americans free from noise that jeopardizes their health and welfare. Federal action is essential to deal with major noise sources in commerce, control of which require national uniformity of treatment, while primary responsibility for control of noise rests with State and local governments.
Areas zoned for industrial, commercial and residential use are moving closer and closer to one another. This close proximity is resulting in noise complaints between neighbors.
Sound barrier along a highway to reduce noise pollution.
The Importance of Noise Ordinances
Noise ordinances are laws which limit the allowable noise level(s) at different times of day for different zoned areas (i.e. residential, commercial, industrial). The maximum allowable noise levels are typically higher during daytime hours and lower during nighttime hours.
Some noise ordinances can be vague and open for interpretation without specific sound levels noted while others are very specific and call out specific sound levels and daytimes. it is typically reported to the police or other law enforcement agency.
Community Education and Noise Control
The need to educate the community, city officials and building owners concerning the use of environmental noise control products and solutions has become of great importance.
Atlanta’s Noise Ordinance: A Case Study
Learn more about Atlanta’s Noise Ordinance. The City of Atlanta’s Noise Ordinance governs how and when different types of sounds can travel through the city at certain distances. It is meant to balance the needs of a growing and a vibrant economy with the quality of life expectations of those that work and live nearby.
A variance can be issued to allow for unusual circumstances, typically for a construction phase or filming production. Each variance can last up to 14 days. A variance can be reapplied for and projects will often have numerous variances over the lifespan of the work. Notification is provided to the NPU and Council Member affected by the variance.
Construction site, a common source of urban noise.
For example, construction noise on a weekend day or legal holiday should not be heard within any single-family residential, two-family residential, or multi-family residential zoning district more than 100 feet from the origin of the sound. Examples of construction noise can be reviewed here.
Key Aspects of Noise Ordinances
Here’s a summary of typical elements found in noise ordinances:
| Element | Description |
|---|---|
| Zoning Regulations | Specifies allowable noise levels based on zoning (residential, commercial, industrial). |
| Time Restrictions | Sets different noise level limits for daytime and nighttime hours. |
| Enforcement | Outlines how noise ordinance violations are reported and handled, typically by law enforcement. |
| Variances | Allows for temporary exceptions under special circumstances like construction or filming. |