Implementing Noise Compatible Land Use  Federal Highway Administration  Lesson 1 Roadway Noise and FHWA Guidelines

Roadway Travel

What is Noise? Loud Sound Annoying, Unwanted Sound Source: Urbanplanet.org Source: Wikipedia.com

Negative Effects of Sound Lowers the quality of life Can impact outside conversation May deter some development Some studies show harmful health effects

Common Noise Levels Jet aircraft Uncomfortably 120 dBA take off loud Lawnmower Moderately 70 dBA Vacuum loud Library Very quiet 30 dBA

Who’s Responsible? Federal Highway Administration Sets National Guidelines States Implement Federal and State Guidelines Local Governments Enact Land Use Policies

Noise Assessments Required as part of NEPA Process Determine whether there are sensitive receivers –Computer modeling –Review of land use plans –Aerial photography

Federal Guidelines for Noise Abatement 23 CFR Part 772: Procedures for Abatement of Highway Traffic Noise and Construction Noise –“…establish requirements for information to be given to local officials for use in the planning and design of highways….”

Section 772.5: Definitions Type I (Eligible for FHWA Funding) –Projects on new location –Physical alteration of horizontal and/or vertical alignment –Increase in the number of through travel lanes Type II (FHWA Will Not Fund; States May) –A proposed Federal or Federal-aid highway project for noise abatement on an existing highway.

Section (b) Federal Participation Federal funding for Type II projects approved: –For projects approved before 11/28/95 –Along lands where development predated any highway –For areas not previously rejected for a barrier in a Type I project

FHWA Approach to Roadway Noise 3-Part Approach to Traffic Noise Control – Source Control – Reduction Measures in Highway Construction – Noise Compatible Land Use Planning

Source Control: Noise Sources for Heavy Trucks Tire Noise Gears Engine Fan Air Intake Exhaust Brakes

Measuring Sound Decibels –Are a logarithmic scale –Are based on values of 10 Sound measurement is weighted to what the human ear can hear (A- weighted) Descriptor will be the hourly equivalent sound level (LAeq1h)

The TNM Model

Noise Criteria Exterior (residences, schools, parks, and churches) Exterior (commercial) Interior Leq 65 dBA Leq 70 dBA Leq 50 dBA is used

N C P Mitigation Strategies Commercial, Retail, Office Uses Open Space Thoughtful Orientation of Residential Uses and Materials

Residential Commercial

Noise Reducing Construction Design

Implementing Noise Compatible Land Use  Federal Highway Administration  Lesson 2 ♦ Overview Noise Compatible Land Use Planning

Lesson 2: Overview Noise Compatible Planning ■ What Constitutes NCP? ■ Benefits of NCP ■ Potential Hindrances to Implementing NCP

What Constitutes NCP? NCP addresses potential highway noise before problems occur  Appropriate development that can accommodate roadway noise is encouraged next to highways

Why Talk About Noise Compatible Land Use Planning?  Opportunity Costs (more roadway and construction $)  May Block Light and “Close- in” Neighborhoods

PURPOSE Eliminate or Reduce Highway Traffic Noise Less Noise Sensitive Land Uses (Commercial, Office, Retail, Industrial) Promote Use of Open Space (Walking & Bike Paths, Recreational Uses) Reorient Residential w/ Less Sensitive Uses Away from the Roadway

Commercial, Retail, Office

Open Space

Building Orientation or Construction Materials

Setback

Benefits of NCP Undesirable effects of highway traffic noise are eliminated or reduced by encouraging less noise sensitive land uses next to highways

Benefits of NCLUP (cont) Proactive planning Better quality of life Reduces residential complaints Future cost savings Property value increases Promotes public-private shared responsibility

Hindrances to Implementing NCP OBSTACLES COST PROHIBITIVE INTER- GOVERNMENTAL CONFLICTS ZONING & ORIDNANCES CONFLICTS

Role of Leaders and Policy Professionals Encourage: Increased use of NCP strategies Educational resources Less frequent use of noise walls

Implementing Noise Compatible Land Use  Federal Highway Administration  Lesson 3 Noise Compatible Reduction Techniques – Physical Responses

Lesson 3 - Objective Impact of the physical environment on how sound is heard Physical strategies applied as part of NCP

Key Terms for Noise Measurements Source – Noise Emitter Propagation Medium – Path to the Receiver Receiver – Location Where Noise Is Assessed

Key Variables Affecting Noise Distance Topography

Distance Creates A Buffer

Elevated or Depressed Roadways Affect Sound Patterns

Design and Construction Characteristics Acoustical Site Planning Acoustical Architectural Design Acoustical Construction

Acoustical Site Planning Provide a buffer zone between roadway and development Place single story units adjacent to roadway Ensure that rear yard faces roadway Provide landscaping & recreational features, i.e. landscaping, earthen berms, winding jogging trails

Single Family with Earth Berm

Acoustical Construction: Double Pane Doors and Windows “Soundproofing greatly reduces interior noise penetration.” Photos from Van Nuys Airport’s Noise Management Report found at

Acoustical Construction: Thicker Sound Resistant Walls – No Highway Side Windows

Acoustical Construction: Thicker Sound Resistant Walls at Rear with Front Windows

Insulation materials Acoustic Vinyl Barrier 2lb QUIETBARRIER™ Acoustic Vinyl Barrier 1lb

Lesson 4 Noise Compatible Reduction Techniques- Policy and Administrative Strategies

Lesson 4 - Objective Familiarize participants with the variety of tools available to local governments in support of NCP

Strategies for Municipalities ■ Zoning (Strongest category of land control) ■ Clustering ■ Plat Notation

Authorities to Mandate Implementation of Noise Compatible Principles Local Governments ♦ Municipal Governments

Setbacks and Buffer Zones

Place specific language on legal documents & plats City of San Antonio’s subdivision plats state: “For residential development directly adjacent to State right of way, the Developer shall be responsible for adequate set-back and/or sound abatement measures for future noise mitigation.”

Adopt Land Use Compatible Standards Into City Codes Building codes Landscaping & screening requirements Noise ordinance Zoning Ordinance Comprehensive Plan/General Plan Major Thoroughfare Plan

Examples of Communities with Land Use Compatible Planning Practices CITIES City of San Antonio City of Huntington Beach City of Gilbert Arizona STATES Pennsylvania Montana Arizona

Class Conclusion We Hope You Are Encouraged ! ■ Look for opportunities to advise others of options to improve compatibility of roadways and adjacent land uses. ■ Encourage local governments and developers to adopt these strategies.