DPD's Noise Abatement Program
Creating a Basic Acoustical Report

*To determine whether an Acoustical Consultant Report will be required for your project; create your own basic acoustical report as detailed below. The report must consist of at least three elements:

1. Proposal
Submit a site plan and include the following information: project location, adjacent properties, street right-of-way, equipment location, and an equipment schedule with the sound ratings included. Be sure to identify the zoning of the adjacent properties and show the distance from the proposed noise generating equipment to the adjacent property lines (see CAM 415 page 7).

2. Analysis

Analyze the noise level of the noise generators: Identify on the equipment schedule the noise level that each major noise generator creates. For assistance, you may refer to the AHRI Standards and Guidelines. 
Use the noise/distance matrix tool for sound power to determine noise levels at the adjacent property lines.
 
You will be required to identify the zoning of the adjacent properties on the site plan to complete the analysis.
 
*Using the above method will not take into account the height of structure, mechanical penthouse, parapets, or any other barrier--constructed or natural--that could amplify or attenuate sound between the noise generator and the receiver located in the "direct line of sight." (See Wood Frame Noise Barrier Design for an example of a constructed barrier.)


3. Conclusion

Submit the results, and answer the question: The results will provide the answer to the following question: "Does the noise being generated by your equipment meet or exceed the maximum permissible noise levels allowed at the adjacent property line?"
The answer to this question will result in one of the following:
  • Your proposed project meets noise ordinance objective standards and will be signed off by the noise reviewer.
  • Project does not meet the objective standards of the noise ordinance and will require a more detailed evaluation by an Acoustical Consultant. The Acoustical Consultant report will identify a means of how the proposal can meet the standards in the noise ordinance.

 

Last Updated:

Sept. 20, 2011