HomeMy WebLinkAboutChapter 7 NOISE |
California law requires that a general plan include elements (or chapters) specifically
addressing noise. This element was prepared to meet these requirements
(Government Code Section 65302(f)).The noise element must identify and appraise
noise problems in the community from a variety of sources, establish a pattern of land
use that minimizes exposure of residents to excessive noise, and include possible
solutions to address existing and foreseeable noise problems.
Noise-sensitive land uses, such as housing, schools, senior care facilities, parks, and
libraries can be adversely affected by excessive noise.
The predominant noise source in Palm Desert, as in most communities, is motor
vehicles. The city’s roadway system includes a range of facilities including regional
freeways, major highways and other arterials, and collector and local streets. Regional
connectivity to the City of Palm Desert is provided by Interstate 10, California State
Route 111, and California State Route 74. Within Palm Desert, major roadways include
Fred Waring Drive, Country Club Drive, Frank Sinatra Drive, Gerald Ford Drive, Dinah
Shore Drive, Monterey Avenue, Portola Avenue, Cook Street, and Washington Street.
Higher volume roadways within the city include Washington Street (over 40,000
vehicles per day), Monterey Avenue (over 40,000 vehicles per day), Highway 111 (over
30,000 vehicles per day), and Fred Waring Drive (over 30,000 vehicles per day).
Freight rail service along the Union Pacific Railroad lines located immediately south of
and parallel to Interstate 10 are also responsible for generating substantial noise levels
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in this area. The Bermuda Dunes Airport is located approximately 1.75 miles east of
the current city limits, within Palm Desert’s sphere of influence. The Palm Springs
International Airport is located approximately eleven miles northwest of Palm Desert.
Both airports generate air traffic that can impact the community’s noise environment.
Other noise generators in Palm Desert include industrial operations, construction
activities, special event noise, commercial activities that include live music, and
lawnmowers and leaf blowers. Noise-sensitive receptors within the planning area
include schools, libraries, and senior care facilities.
Noise is defined as unwanted or undesired sound. The combination of noise from all
sources near and far is known as the Ambient Noise Level. A very sudden change in air
pressure from the immediate “normal” atmospheric pressure results in airborne
sound. For purposes of this discussion, the ambient noise level at a given location is
termed “environmental noise.” Understanding environmental noise requires some
familiarity with the physical description of noise. The important characteristics of
sound include its frequency range, its intensity or loudness, and temporal/time-
varying aspect. The decibel (dB), A-weighted decibel (dBA) scale, and Community
Noise Equivalency Level (CNEL) are all units of measurement used to describe and
numerically weight noise levels. The unit of measurement describing the amplitude or
strength of sound is the decibel. The Community Noise Equivalent Level (CNEL) is the
weighted average of the intensity of a sound, with corrections for time of day, and
averaged over 24 hours. The time of day corrections require the addition of five
decibels to sound levels in the evening from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., and the addition of ten
decibels to sound levels at night between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m.
The Noise Compatibility Matrix, shown in Figure 1, defines the level of acceptable
noise for different land uses found in the city.
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1.1 Noise Compatibility. Apply the Noise Compatibility Matrix, shown in
Figure 7.1, as a guide for planning and development decisions. The City
will require projects involving new development or modifications to
existing development to implement mitigation measures, where
necessary, to reduce noise levels to at least the normally compatible
range shown in the City’s Noise Compatibility Matrix shown in Figure 7.1.
Mitigation measures should focus on architectural features and building
design and construction, rather than site design features such as
excessive setbacks, berms and sound walls, to maintain compatibility with
adjacent and surrounding uses.
1.2 Noise Buffers. Require an open space or other noise buffer between new
projects that are a source of excessive noise and nearby noise-sensitive
receptors.
1.3 Mixed Use. Require that mixed-use structures and areas be designed to
prevent transfer of noise from commercial uses to residential uses, and
ensure a 45 dBA CNEL level or lower for all interior living spaces.
1.4 County and Regional Plans. Periodically review County and regional plans
for transportation facilities and airport operation, to identify and mitigate
potential noise impacts on future development.
1.5 Airport Land Use Planning. Ensure that new development in the city
complies with all applicable policies contained in the Riverside County
General Plan Noise Element relating to airport noise, including those
policies requiring compliance with the airport land use noise compatibility
criteria contained in the airport land use compatibility plan for Bermuda
Dunes Airport, which is located within the City’s Sphere of Influence.
1.6 Land Use and Community Design. Prioritize the building design and
character policies in the Land Use and Community Character Element
over those in the Noise Element to ensure that new development meets
the design vision of the city. This policy will not apply when noise levels
are clearly in the incompatible range as shown in the City’s Noise
Compatibility Matrix shown in Figure 7.1.
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2.1 Noise Ordinance. Minimize noise conflicts between neighboring
properties through enforcement of applicable regulations such as the
City’s Noise Control Ordinance.
2.2 Noise Control. Ensure that noise impacts from stationary sources on
noise-sensitive receptors and noise emanating from construction
activities, private developments/residences, landscaping activities, night
clubs and bars, and special events are minimized.
2.3 Entertainment Uses. Ensure that entertainment uses, restaurants, and
bars engage in responsible management and operation to control the
activities of their patrons on-site and within reasonable and legally
justifiable proximity to minimize noise impacts on adjacent residences
and other noise-sensitive receptors, and require mitigation as needed for
development of entertainment uses near noise-sensitive receptors.
2.4 Industrial Uses. Ensure that industrial uses engage in responsible
operational practices that minimize noise impacts on adjacent residences
and other noise-sensitive receptors, and require mitigation as needed for
development of industrial uses near noise-sensitive receptors.
2.5 Noise Barriers for Industrial/Commercial Sources. If necessary, and after
implementation of measures utilizing architectural features and building
design and construction consistent with Policy 1.2, require certain
industrial and certain heavy commercial uses to use absorptive types of
noise barriers or walls to reduce noise levels generated by these uses. To
be considered effective, the noise barrier should provide at least a 5-dBA-
CNEL noise reduction.
3.1 Roadway Noise. Implement the policies listed under Goal 1 to reduce the
impacts of roadway noise on noise-sensitive receptors where roadway
noise exceeds the normally compatible range shown in the City’s Noise
Compatibility Matrix shown in Figure 7.1.
3.2 Traffic Calming. Implement traffic calming measures, such as reduced
speed limits or roadway design features, to reduce noise levels through
reduced vehicle speeds and/or diversion of vehicle traffic where roadway
noise exceeds the normally compatible range shown in the City’s Noise
Compatibility Matrix shown in Figure 7.1.
3.3 Synchronization of Traffic Lights. Ensure that all new traffic signals are
appropriately timed and synchronized with adjacent lights, even if in
neighboring cities, to the extent feasible in order to help promote a
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smooth flow of traffic and minimize excessive noise from acceleration and
braking. Also periodically assess the timing of existing traffic signals and
make any appropriate adjustments.
3.4 Railway Noise. Ensure that noise from rail lines is taken into account
during the land use planning and site development processes.
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