Urban Noise Regulation: A Comprehensive Overview
Inadequately controlled noise presents a growing danger to the health and welfare of the Nation's population, particularly in urban areas.
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 (§4901 et seq.).
While primary responsibility for control of noise rests with State and local governments, Federal action is essential to deal with major noise sources in commerce, control of which require national uniformity of treatment.
Arlington County Noise Regulations
Arlington County Code Ch. Compliance with ordinance standards is required.
The Zoning Ordinance contains language that allows for special uses such as live entertainment, dance halls and major development projects, often referred to as site plans.
If you suspect a violation, but are not successful addressing the issue through direct contact with the offender or working through your property management or community association, you may report the issue.
Community mediation may be an effective, low-cost option to address the problem. The County does not endorse a specific mediator or organization.
Please Note: To enforce the Noise Control Ordinance, inspectors and officers must witness the violation.
HUD Noise Standards and Guidelines
HUD’s noise standards may be found in 24 CFR Part 51, Subpart B.
All sites whose environmental or community noise exposure exceeds the day night average sound level (DNL) of 65 decibels (dB) are considered noise-impacted areas.
The "Normally Unacceptable" noise zone includes community noise levels from above 65 decibels to 75 decibels.
Locations with day-night average noise levels above 75 dB have “Unacceptable” noise exposure.
For new construction that is proposed in high noise areas, grantees shall incorporate noise attenuation features to the extent required by HUD environmental criteria and standards contained in Subpart B (Noise Abatement and Control) of 24 CFR Part 51.
For proposed new construction in high noise areas, the project must incorporate noise mitigation features.
For new construction, noise attenuation measures in these locations require the approval of the Assistant Secretary for Community Planning and Development (for projects reviewed under Part 50) or the Responsible Entity’s Certifying Officer (for projects reviewed under Part 58).
This memorandum clarifies existing policy on rehabilitation of existing buildings that changes the original land use. New land uses resulting from rehabilitation may be considered new noise-sensitive uses as if they were new construction. If those new uses are in Unacceptably noise-exposed areas (external noise greater than 75 decibels), an Environmental Impact Statement is required.
Noise Assessment Tools
The Noise Guidebook has been prepared to serve as the basic reference document for all who are responsible for implementing the Department's noise policy.
The Office of Environmental and Energy (OEE) has developed an electronic assessment tool that calculates the Day/Night Noise Level (DNL) site exposure. This is a web-based application of the existing Noise Assessment Guidelines (NAG). It is the basic noise assessment tool; most assessments start here.
The DNL Calculator calculates noise from road and railway activity levels. It then combines the noise with airport projections and incorporates the effects of loud, impulsive sound for a site exposure at any Noise Assessment Location.
The Barrier Performance Module (BPM) is an automated version of the noise barrier evaluation worksheets and charts in the Noise Guidebook. It reports the amount of noise to be reduced by a particular design and is linked to the DNL Calculator.
The Sound Transmission Classification Assessment Tool (STraCAT) is a web-based application that automates and streamlines the completion of HUD’s Figure 19 in The Noise Guidebook.
Key Noise Assessment Tools
Here's a summary of the noise assessment tools mentioned:
| Tool Name | Description |
|---|---|
| DNL Calculator | Calculates noise from road and railway activity levels, combining it with airport projections. |
| Barrier Performance Module (BPM) | Automated tool for evaluating noise barrier designs and their noise reduction capabilities. |
| Sound Transmission Classification Assessment Tool (STraCAT) | Web-based application that automates HUD’s Figure 19 for noise assessment. |
Considerations for Project Planning
Are there potential noise generators in the vicinity of the project?