Introduction

IV.
H NOISE
1. INTRODUCTION
This section describes the ambient noise levels of the local area and provides a comparison of existing
noise levels to applicable federal, state, and local noise standards. In addition, noise impacts due to
construction and operation of the proposed project are identified and discussed. Finally, this section
identifies mitigation measures to reduce potentially significant impacts. Sources utilized in this
discussion include the Federal Highway Administration Highway Noise Prediction Model
(FHWA-RD-77-108) and the project traffic study, prepared by Overland Traffic Consultants in September
2008. The acoustic analysis data are provided in Appendix IV.H of this environmental impact report
(EIR).
a. Environmental Setting
Characteristics of Noise
Noise is usually defined as unwanted sound and can be an undesirable byproduct of society’s normal
day-to-day activities. Sound becomes unwanted when it interferes with normal activities, causes actual
physical harm, or has an adverse effect on health. The definition of noise as unwanted sound implies that
it has an adverse effect or causes a substantial annoyance to people and their environment.
Noise is measured on a logarithmic scale of sound pressure known as a decibel (dB). Sound pressure
level alone is not a reliable indicator of loudness because the human ear does not respond uniformly to
sounds at all frequencies. For example, it is less sensitive to low and high frequencies than to medium
frequencies that more closely correspond with human speech. In response to the human ear sensitivity, or
lack thereof to different frequencies, the A-weighted noise level, referenced in units of dB(A), was
developed to better correspond with people’s subjective judgment of sound levels. In general, changes in
a community noise level of less than 3 dB(A) are not typically noticed by the human ear.1 Changes from
3 to 5 dB(A) may be noticed by some individuals who are extremely sensitive to changes in noise. An
increase of greater than 5 dB(A) is readily noticeable, while the human ear perceives a 10 dB(A) increase
in sound level to be a doubling of sound volume. A doubling of sound energy results in a 3 dB(A)
increase in sound, which means that a doubling of sound wave energy (e.g., doubling the volume of
traffic on a roadway) would result in a barely perceptible change in sound level.
1 U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration, Highway Noise Fundamentals, (1980) 81.
Los Angeles Department of City Planning IV.H-1 Andora Avenue Subdivision – Tentative Tract No. 53426
Impact Sciences, Inc. (0947.002) Subsequent Draft EIR
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IV.H Noise
Noise sources occur in two forms: (1) point sources, such as stationary equipment or individual motor
vehicles; and (2) line sources, such as a roadway with a large number of mobile point sources (motor
vehicles). Sound generated by a stationary point source typically diminishes (attenuates) at a rate of
6 dB(A) for each doubling of distance from the source to the receptor at acoustically “hard” sites, and at a
rate of 7.5 dB(A) at acoustically “soft” sites.2 For example, a 60 dB(A) noise level measured at 50 feet from
a point source at an acoustically hard site would be 54 dB(A) at 100 feet from the source and would be
48 dB(A) at 200 feet from the source. Sound generated by a line source typically attenuates at a rate of
3 dB(A) and 4.5 dB(A) per doubling of distance from the source to the receptor for hard and soft sites,
respectively.3
Manmade or natural barriers can also attenuate sound levels, as illustrated in Figure IV.H-1, Noise
Attenuation by Barriers and Elevation Differences. Solid walls and berms may reduce noise levels by
5 to 10 dB(A).4 The minimum attenuation of exterior to interior noise provided by typical structures in
California is provided in Table IV.H-1, Outside to Inside Noise Attenuation.
Table IV.H-1
Outside to Inside Noise Attenuation
Open Closed
Building Type Windows 1 Windows1,2
Residences 17 25
Schools 17 25
Churches 20 30
Hospitals/Convalescent Homes 17 25
Offices 17 25
Theaters 20 30
Hotels/Motels 17 25
Source: Bolt Beranek and Newman, Inc., Highway Noise: A Design Guide for Highway Engineers, NCHRP Report No.
117, (1971). Prepared for Highway Research Board, National Academy of Sciences, Washington, D.C.
1 Levels are measured in dB(A)
2 As shown, structures with closed windows can attenuate exterior noise by a minimum of 25 to 30 dB(A).
2 U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration, Highway Noise Fundamentals, (1980), 97. An
acoustically “hard” or reflective site does not provide any excess ground-effect attenuation and is characteristic
of asphalt, concrete, and very hard packed soils. An acoustically “soft” or absorptive site is characteristic of
normal earth and most ground with vegetation.
3 Ibid.
4 Ibid., 18.
February 2010
Source
8' Deflected Noise
Barrier
Roadway
Lin
e-o
f-S
igh
t
Receptor
"Barrier Effect" Resulting from Differences in Elevation.
Source Deflected Noise
Line-of-Sight
Receptor
8'
Roadway Barrier
"Barrier Effect" Resulting from Typical Soundwall.
SOURCE: Impact Sciences, Inc. – January 2010
FIGURE IV.H-1
Noise Attenuation by Barriers and Elevation Differences
947-002•01/10
IV.H Noise
When assessing community reaction to noise, there is an obvious need for a scale that averages varying
noise exposure over time and quantifies the result in terms of a single number descriptor. Several scales
have been developed that address community noise levels. Those that are applicable to this analysis are
the Equivalent Noise Level (Leq) and the Community Noise Equivalent Level (CNEL).
Leq is the average A-weighted sound level measured over a given time interval. Leq can be measured over
any period but is typically measured for 1-minute, 15-minute, 1-hour, or 24-hour periods. For example,
the L50 noise level represents the noise level that is exceeded 50 percent of the time. Thus, half the time the
noise level exceeds this level and half the time the noise level is less than this level. This level is also
representative of the level that is exceeded 30 minutes in an hour. Similarly, the L08 and L25 represent the
noise levels that are exceeded 8 and 25 percent of the time, respectively, or for 5 and 15 minutes during a
1-hour period, respectively. These “L” values are used to evaluate compliance for stationary noise sources
with the City of Los Angeles Noise Ordinance, as discussed below.
Other values typically noted during a noise survey are the Lmin and Lmax . These values represent the
minimum and maximum noise levels observed during a measurement period, respectively. Maximum
and minimum noise levels, as compared to the Leq, are a function of the characteristics of the noise source.
For example, sources such as compressors, generators, and transformers have maximum and minimum
noise levels that are similar to L eq since noise levels for steady-state noise sources do not substantially
fluctuate. However, as another example, vehicular noise levels along local roadways result in
substantially different minimum and maximum noise levels when compared to the Leq since noise levels
fluctuate during pass by events.
Although the A-weighted scale accounts for the range of people’s response, and therefore, is commonly
used to quantify individual event or general community sound levels, the degree of annoyance or other
response effects also depends on several other perceptibility factors. These factors include:
 Ambient (background) sound level;
 Magnitude of sound event with respect to the background noise level;
 Duration of the sound event;
 Number of event occurrences and their repetitiveness; and
 Time of day that the event occurs.
CNEL is another average A-weighted sound level measured over a 24-hour period. However, this noise
scale is adjusted to account for some individuals’ increased sensitivity to noise levels during evening and
nighttime hours. A CNEL noise measurement is obtained by adding 5 dB to sound levels occurring
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IV.H Noise
during the evening from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM and 10 dB to sound levels occurring during the nighttime
from 10:00 PM to 7:00 AM. The 5 and 10 dB “penalties” are applied to account for increased noise
sensitivity during the evening and nighttime hours. The logarithmic effect of adding these penalties to the
1-hour Leq measurements typically results in a CNEL measurement that is within approximately 3 dB(A)
of the peak hour Leq. 5
Characteristics of Vibration
Vibration is a unique form of noise because its energy is carried through structures and the earth,
whereas noise is simply carried through the air. Thus, vibration is generally felt rather than heard. Some
vibration effects can be caused by noise, e.g., the rattling of windows from passing trucks. This
phenomenon is related to the coupling of the acoustic energy at frequencies that are close to the resonant
frequency of the material being vibrated. Typically, groundborne vibration generated by manmade
activities attenuates rapidly as distance from the source of the vibration increases. Vibration, which
spreads through the ground rapidly, diminishes in amplitude with distance from the source. The ground
motion caused by vibration is measured as particle velocity in inches per second and in the U.S. is
referenced as vibration decibels (VdB).
The vibration velocity level threshold of perception for humans is approximately 65 VdB.6 A vibration
velocity of 75 VdB is the approximate dividing line between barely perceptible and distinctly perceptible
levels for many people.7 Most perceptible indoor vibration is caused by sources within buildings such as
operation of mechanical equipment, movement of people, or the slamming of doors. Typical outdoor
sources of perceptible groundborne vibration are construction equipment, steel-wheeled trains, and
traffic on rough roads. If a roadway is smooth, the groundborne vibration from traffic is barely
perceptible.8 The range of interest is from approximately 50 VdB, which is the typical background
vibration velocity, to 100 VdB, which is the general threshold where minor damage can occur in fragile
buildings.
The proposed project is located the northwest portion of the City of Los Angeles near the western
terminus of Andora Avenue and Plummer Street in the community of Chatsworth. The project site is
currently undeveloped and consists of rocky, sparsely vegetated land. Surrounding uses include
5 California Department of Transportation, Technical Noise Supplement: A Technical Supplement to the Traffic Noise
Analysis Protocol, (1998) N51-N54.
6 U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Transit Administration, Office of Planning and Environment, Transit
Noise and Vibration Impact Assessment (FTA-VA-90-1003-06), (2006) 7-5.
7 Ibid., 7-6 and 7-7.
8 Ibid., 7-9. Rubber tires and suspension systems provide vibration insulation.
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IV.H Noise
primarily single-family residences to the east and southwest. Land to the north and south is currently
undeveloped.
Project Setting
The project site is located at the edge of an urban environment and is potentially exposed to a variety of
noises typical to such a setting. However, because much of the surrounding land is undeveloped, existing
on-site sources of noise would be limited to occasional activity along dirt trails that cross the site and
could include sources such as human conversation, idling vehicles, motor vehicle engines and motor
vehicle doors slamming. Due to the limited exposure to on-site sources of noise, monitoring was not
conducted.
Noise generated by vehicular traffic traveling on the local roadway network represents the predominant
and most consistent off-site noise source in the study area. In order to characterize the contribution of
motor vehicle noise to the ambient environment in the study area, off-site noise prediction modeling was
conducted along potentially affected roadway segments. Noise levels were modeled with the Federal
Highway Administration Highway Noise Prediction Model (FHWA-RD-77-108). This model calculates
the average noise level at specific locations based on traffic volumes, auto/truck mix, average speeds,
roadway geometry, and site conditions. Average vehicle noise rates (energy rates) utilized in the FHWA
Model have been modified to reflect average vehicle noise rates identified for California by the California
Department of Transportation (Caltrans).9 Caltrans data show that California automobile noise is 0.8 to
1.0 dB(A) louder than national levels and that medium and heavy truck noise is 0.3 to 3.0 dB(A) quieter
than national levels.10 Traffic volumes utilized as data inputs to the noise prediction model were based
on information provided by Overland Traffic Consultants, as part of the traffic study conducted for the
project.11
Table IV.H-2, Existing Weekday Modeled Roadway Noise Levels, identifies the existing roadway noise
levels for the roadway segments analyzed in the traffic study prepared for the proposed project. 12
Roadway noise levels for the following roadways were modeled at various reference locations based on
approximate roadway width and distance to the nearest receptor.
9 Rudolf W. Hendriks, California Vehicle Noise Emission Levels, (Sacramento, California: California Department of
Transportation, January 1987), NTIS, FHWA/CA/TL-87/03.
10 Ibid.
11 Overland Traffic Consultants, Inc., Traffic Impact Evaluation for a Single Family Home Development Located Northwest
of Andora Avenue & Plummer Street in the City of Los Angeles, (2008).
12 Ibid.
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IV.H Noise
Table IV.H-2
Existing Weekday Modeled Roadway Noise Levels
Roadway Segment Existing CNEL in dB(A)

Valley Circle Blvd. north of Devonshire St. 51.4
Valley Circle Blvd. south of Devonshire St. 55.2
Devonshire St. east of Valley Circle Blvd. 58.2
Devonshire St. west of Valley Circle Blvd. 55.8
Valley Circle Blvd. north of Lassen-Andora 53.7
Baden Ave. south of Lassen-Andora 53.0
Lassen St. east of Valley Circle-Baden 52.9
Andora St. west of Valley Circle-Baden 51.8
Baden Ave. north of Plummer St. 52.7
Plummer St. east of Baden Ave. 59.6
Plummer St. west of Baden Ave. 59.7
Source: Impact Sciences, Inc. Noise model results are provided in Appendix IV.H.
Note: Noise level estimates are at 50 feet from the roadway centerline.
As is indicated in Table IV.H-2, existing roadway noise levels at reference locations of 50 feet from the
roadway centerline are predicted to range from 51.4 to 59.7 dB(A) CNEL. These noise levels are slightly
below the range of noise levels considered “normally acceptable” (60 dB(A) CNEL) by the City of Los
Angeles for single-family and multi-family residences. The highest noise level of 59.7 dB(A) CNEL occurs
on Plummer Street west of Baden Avenue, which is near the southeastern end of the project site and other
residential uses.
Some land uses are considered to be more sensitive to elevated noise levels than others, due to the
amount of noise exposure and the types of activities typically involved. The L.A. CEQA Thresholds Guide
states that residences, transient lodgings, schools, libraries, churches, hospitals, nursing homes,
auditoriums, concert halls, amphitheaters, playgrounds, and parks are generally more sensitive to noise
than are commercial and industrial land uses.13 The project site is located near existing sensitive
receptors. As described in the preceding section, the land uses to the east and southwest of the project site
include single-family residential uses. These nearby land uses are considered sensitive receptors.
2. REGULATORY FRAMEWORK
Plans and policies that pertain to the noise conditions affecting and affected by the proposed project
include (1) the State of California, Department of Health Services, Environmental Health Division
13 City of Los Angeles, L.A. CEQA Thresholds Guide, (2006) I.1-3.

February 2010
IV.H Noise
Guidelines for Noise and Land Use Compatibility; (2) the City of Los Angeles General Plan; (3) the City of
Los Angeles Municipal Code (LAMC), and (4) the City of Los Angeles CNEL Guidelines.
a. State
The State of California, Department of Health Services, Environmental Health Division, has published
recommended guidelines for land use compatibility with community noise exposure levels. These
guidelines rate noise levels as normally acceptable, conditionally acceptable, normally unacceptable, or
clearly unacceptable for different land uses. Figure IV.H-2, Land Use Compatibility Guidelines,
identifies the Department of Health Services’ recommended exterior noise levels for various land use
categories. Each jurisdiction is required to consider these guidelines when developing its general plan
noise element and when determining acceptable noise levels within its community. The City of Los
Angeles utilizes elements of these guidelines when assessing a land use’s compatibility with mobile-
source noise. In addition, the City has incorporated the state noise/land use compatibility guidelines into
the General Plan (as discussed in the following subsection).
b. City
City of Los Angeles General Plan
The Noise Element contained in the City’s General Plan contains noise guidelines and policies that
establish acceptable noise levels for different land uses. These noise levels are contained in the Los
Angeles Municipal Code, Section 111 et seq. The General Plan incorporates a variety of means by which
noise levels are managed and regulated, including federal, state, and local regulations that cover sources
of noise such as automobiles, rail systems, aircraft and airports, and nuisance noise.
Implementation programs in the General Plan Noise Element require that a proposed development
project that is deemed to have a potentially significant noise impact on noise sensitive uses require
mitigation measures, as appropriate, in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act
(CEQA) and city procedures. In addition, the Noise Element requires that development of a
noise-sensitive use or development of four or more detached single-family units, which is determined to
be potentially significantly impacted by existing or proposed noise sources, require mitigation so as to
achieve and interior noise level of a CNEL of 45 dB or less in any habitable room.
City of Los Angeles Municipal Code
Los Angeles Municipal Code (LAMC) Section 41.40 and Chapter XI, Articles 1 through 6, establishes
regulations regarding allowable increases in noise levels in terms of established noise criteria. The City of
Los Angeles Noise Regulation establishes acceptable ambient sound levels to regulate intrusive noises
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IV.H Noise
(e.g., stationary mechanical equipment and vehicles other than those traveling on public streets) within
specific land use zones. In accordance with the Noise Regulation limits for residential zones, a noise level
increase of 5 dB(A) over the existing average ambient noise level at an adjacent property line is
considered a noise violation. For purposes of determining whether or not a violation of the noise
regulation has occurred, the sound level measurements of a loud noise with a duration of 5 minutes or
less during a 1-hour period is reduced by 5 dB(A) to account for people’s increased tolerance for short-
duration noise events. In cases where the actual ambient noise level is not known, presumed daytime
(7:00 AM to 10:00 PM) minimum ambient noise for properties zoned residential is considered to be
50 dB(A), while nighttime (10:00 PM to 7:00 AM) ambient noise is considered to be 40 dB(A). 14 For
properties zoned commercial, the presumed daytime and nighttime ambient noise is 60 dB(A) and
55 dB(A), respectively.15 These values are presented below in Table IV.H-3, Presumed Ambient Noise
Levels.
Table IV.H-3
Presumed Ambient Noise Levels
Zone Decibels Time

Residential 50 dB(A) Daytime 1
Residential 40 dB(A) Nighttime2
Commercial 60 dB(A) Daytime 1
Commercial 55 dB(A) Nighttime2
Source: City of Los Angeles, Municipal Code, Chapter XI, Article I, Section 111.03.
1 Daytime is defined as between 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
2 Nighttime is defined as between 10:00 PM to 7:00 AM the next day.
Construction noise sources cannot be strictly related to a 24-hour community noise standard because this
type of noise typically occurs only during certain hours of the day, and construction source noise levels
vary greatly over time. Construction activities are also treated separately in many community noise
ordinances because they do not represent a chronic, permanent noise source. To abate the potential
nuisance from construction noise, the City of Los Angeles Noise Ordinance and Public Welfare
Regulations (Chapter IV of the LAMC) regulate construction noise in several ways. The standards
defined by the City for construction activity noise control include the following:
 Section 41.40(a) limits hours of construction activities to 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM if such activities may
disturb the sleep of any persons in the vicinity. Construction activities include equipment
operations, as well as equipment repair and servicing, and also the delivery of any construction
materials (Ordinance No. 158 587).
14 City of Los Angeles, Municipal Code, Chapter XI, Article I, Section 111.03.
15 Ibid.
February 2010
COMMUNITY NOISE EXPOSURE
Ldn or CNEL, dB
LAND USE CATEGORY
55 60 65 70 75 80
Residential - Low Density Single

Family, Duplex, Mobile Homes
Residential - Multi Family
Transient Lodging - Motels, Hotels
Schools, Libraries Churches,

Hospitals, Nursing Homes
Auditoriums, Concert Halls,

Amphitheatres
Sports Arena, Outdoor

Spectator Sports
Playgrounds, Neighborhood Parks
Golf Courses, Riding Stables,

Water Recreation, Cemeteries
Office Buildings, Business

Commercial and Professional
Industrial, Manufacturing Utilities,

Agriculture
NORMALLY ACCEPTABLE
Specified land use is satisfactory, based upon the assumption that any buildings involved are of normal conventional construction,
without any special noise insulation requirements.
CONDITIONALLY ACCEPTABLE
New construction or development should be undertaken only after a detailed analysis of the noise reduction requirements is made
and needed noise insulation features included in the design. Conventional construction, but with closed windows and fresh air supply
systems or air conditioning will normally suffice.
NORMALLY UNACCEPTABLE
New construction or development should generally be discouraged. If new construction or development does proceed, a detailed
analysis of the noise reduction requirements must be made and needed noise reduction features included in the design.
CLEARLY UNACCEPTABLE
New construction or development should generally not be undertaken.
SOURCE: California Governor’s Office of Planning and Research, State of California General Plan Guidelines, Appendix C:
Guidelines for the Preparation and Content of Noise Elements of the General Plan, October 2003.
FIGURE IV.H-2
Land Use Compatibility Guidelines
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IV.H Noise
 Section 41.40(c) further limits hours of allowable construction operations from 8:00 AM to 6:00
PM on Saturday or any holiday (Ordinance No. 166 170; effective 9/29/90). Construction work is
not permitted on Sundays.
 Additionally, Section 112.05 of the Los Angeles Municipal Code (Ordinance No. 161 564)
establishes performance standards for powered equipment or tools. The maximum allowable
noise level for operations within 500 feet of any residential zone is 75 dB(A) measured at 50 feet
from the noise source. This restriction holds unless compliance is not technically feasible even
with the use of noise “mufflers, shields, sound barriers, and/or other noise reduction devices or
techniques.”
City of Los Angeles CNEL Guidelines
The State of California, Department of Health Services, Environmental Health Division, has published
recommended guidelines for noise and land use compatibility referred to as “the Guidelines.” The City of
Los Angeles has adopted local guidelines based, in part, on the State Department of Health Services noise
compatibility guidelines. These guidelines, contained in the L.A. CEQA Thresholds Guide, use CNEL.
CNEL guidelines for specific land uses are classified into four categories: (1) “normally
acceptable,”(2) “conditionally acceptable,” (3) “normally unacceptable,” (4) “clearly unacceptable.” As
shown in Table IV.H-4, City of Los Angeles Land Use Compatibility for Community Noise, a CNEL
value of 60 dB(A) is the upper limit of what is considered a “normally acceptable” noise environment for
single-family residential uses, although a CNEL as high as 70 dB(A) is considered “conditionally
acceptable.” For a church or school, a CNEL value of 70 dB(A) is the upper limit of what is considered
both “normally acceptable” and “conditionally acceptable.” For a less sensitive commercial office use, a
CNEL as high as 70 dB(A) is considered “normally acceptable,” while a CNEL value as high as 77 dB(A)
is “conditionally acceptable.”
Groundborne Vibrations Guidelines
There are no adopted City of Los Angeles policies or standards for ground-borne vibration. The
traditional view has been that common vibration levels related to roadway traffic and construction
activities pose no threat to buildings or structures. However, Caltrans does recommend that extreme care
be taken when sustained pile driving occurs within 7.5 meters (25 feet) of any building, and 15 to
30 meters (50 to 100 feet) of a historic building or any building in poor condition. In addition, the Federal
Railroad Authority has established a threshold of 100 VdB for vibration in proximity to fragile buildings.
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IV.H Noise
Table IV.H-4
City of Los Angeles Land Use Compatibility for Community Noise
dB(A) CNEL
Normally Conditionally Normally Clearly
Land Use Acceptable Acceptable Unacceptable Unacceptable
Single-Family, Duplex, Mobile Homes 50–60 55–70 70–75 70+
Multi-Family Homes 50–65 60–70 70–75 70+
Schools, Libraries, Churches, Hospitals, Nursing 50–70 60–70 70–80 80+
Homes
Transient Lodging – Motels, Hotels 50–65 60–70 70–80 80+
Auditoriums, Concert Halls, Amphitheaters -- 50–70 -- 65+
Sports Arena, Outdoor Spectator Sports, -- 50–75 -- 70+
Playgrounds, Neighborhood Parks 50–70 -- 65–75 72+
Golf Courses, Riding Stables, Water Recreation, 50–75 -- 70–80 80+
Cemeteries
Office Buildings – Personal, Business, and 50–70 67–77 75+ --
Professional Commercial
Industrial, Manufacturing, Utilities, Agriculture 50–75 70–80 75+ --
Source: City of Los Angeles, L.A. CEQA Thresholds Guide, (2006) I.2-4.
Normally Acceptable: Specified land use is satisfactory, based upon the assumption that any buildings involved are of normal conventional
construction without any special noise insulation requirements.
Conditionally Acceptable: New construction or development should be undertaken only after a detailed analysis of the noise reduction
requirements is made and needed noise insulation features included in the design. Conventional construction, but with closed windows and
fresh air supply systems or air conditioning will normally suffice.
Normally Unacceptable: New construction or development should be discouraged. If new construction or development does proceed, a
detailed analysis of the noise reduction requirements must be made and needed noise insulatio n features included in the design.
Clearly Unacceptable: New construction or development should generally not be undertaken.
3. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ANLAYSIS
a. Significance Criteria
Thresholds
New and modified projects will often affect noise impacts, both directly and indirectly. When
determining the extent of a project’s environmental impact and the significance of such impact, the
project should be compared with established thresholds of significance. The following discusses the
thresholds set forth by the 2006 L.A. CEQA Thresholds Guide noise guidelines, ordinances, and regulations
discussed previously.
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IV.H Noise
Construction Noise Thresholds
The proposed project would result in significant noise impacts during construction if any of the following
situations occurred: 16
NOISE-1 Construction activities lasting more than a day that would exceed existing ambient exterior
noise levels by 10 dB(A) or more at a noise sensitive use; or
NOISE-2 Construction activities lasting more than 10 days in a 3-month period that would exceed
existing ambient exterior noise levels by 5 dB(A) or more at a noise sensitive use.
NOISE-3 Construction activities occurring on the project site that would result in an increase of
5 dB(A) or more at a noise sensitive use outside the hours permitted by the City's noise
ordinance (i.e., between the hours of 9:00 PM and 7:00 AM Monday through Friday, before
8:00 AM or after 6:00 PM on Saturday or a public holiday, or at any time on Sunday);
Operational Noise Thresholds
The proposed project would result in significant noise impacts during operation if the following
situations occurred:17
NOISE-4 The proposed project would result in a significant impact on noise levels from project
operation if the project would cause the ambient noise level measured at the property line of
affected noise uses to increase by 3 dB(A) in CNEL to or within the “normally unacceptable”
or “clearly unacceptable” category as identified in Table IV.H-4, or any 5 dB(A) or greater
noise increase.
Project Impacts
Construction Noise Impacts
NOISE-1 Construction activities lasting more than a day that would exceed existing ambient exterior noise
levels by 10 dB(A) or more at a noise sensitive use; or
NOISE-2 Construction activities lasting more than 10 days in a 3-month period that would exceed existing
ambient exterior noise levels by 5 dB(A) or more at a noise sensitive use.
NOISE-3 Construction activities occurring on the project site that would result in an increase of 5 dB(A) or
more at a noise sensitive use outside the hours permitted by the City's noise ordinance (i.e.,
between the hours of 9:00 PM and 7:00 AM Monday through Friday, before 8:00 AM or after
6:00 PM on Saturday or a public holiday, or at any time on Sunday)
16 City of Los Angeles, Environmental Affairs Department, LA CEQA Thresholds Guide, (2006) I.2-3–I.2-4.
17 Ibid., I.2-3–I.2-4.
February 2010
IV.H Noise
The operation of heavy-duty construction equipment on the project site would result in the generation of
noise. Construction equipment operates under two primary modes: mobile and stationary. Mobile
equipment, such as bulldozers, scrapers, and graders, are operated in a cyclic fashion in which a period of
full power and corresponding higher noise levels is followed by a period of reduced power and lower
noise levels. Stationary equipment can be subdivided into two groups. One group contains such items as
pumps, generators, and compressors, which generally operates at a fixed power and produces a fairly
constant sound level under normal operations. The other group contains impact equipment, such as pile
drivers, jackhammers, and pavement breakers, which results in sporadic noise generation during
operation.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) has compiled data regarding the noise generating
characteristics of specific types of construction equipment. These data are presented in Figure IV.H-3,
Noise Levels of Typical Construction Equipment. As shown, noise levels generated by heavy
equipment can range from approximately 68 dB(A) to noise levels in excess of 100 dB(A) when measured
at 50 feet. As discussed previously, these stationary source noise levels would diminish rapidly with
distance from the construction site at a rate of approximately 6.0 to 7.5 dB(A) per doubling of distance.
Nonetheless, any locations that would have an uninterrupted line of site to the construction noise sources
could be exposed to some level of construction noise. It should be noted that each piece of construction
equipment would not be used continuously. Moreover, the loudest piece of equipment operating at any
one time would represent the ambient noise at that time as it would partially mask other lesser noise
sources.
Construction of the proposed project is expected to begin in 2010 and be completed in 2012. Development
of the proposed project would involve several phases including grading, asphalt paving, and building
construction. Noise impacts created during grading activities would be associated with the operation of
equipment such as graders, rubber-tired dozers, tractors, and water trucks. Noise impacts created during
building construction would be associated with the operation of equipment such as cranes, forklifts, and
tractors. During asphalt paving, noise impacts would result from the operation of cement and mortar
mixers, pavers, and rollers. Large construction equipment would be transported to the project site along a
City-approved route that would avoid residential neighborhood streets and other sensitive receptors.
Given the size of equipment being transported, routes are anticipated to be along major arterials.
Noise levels generated during the site development phases would depend upon the distance between the
construction activity and the affected uses, as well as the noise attenuation effects of any intervening
portions built during earlier phases of the project. Detailed information on construction activities is not
available at this time and, therefore, it is not possible to accurately predict on- and off-site noise levels
during the construction of the site. However, this construction noise impact analysis assumes the
February 2010
IV.H Noise
worst-case scenario by assuming that the loudest construction equipment would operate at the property
lines adjacent to the nearest sensitive use. This analysis does not assume the use of noise control devices
such as equipment mufflers, enclosures and barriers. The closest sensitive uses include the land uses to
the east and southwest of the project site, which include single-family residential uses. The distance from
the nearest sensitive land uses to the project site was assumed to be 75 feet from areas that would
undergo active construction.
Noise levels generated during each of the project phases are presented in Table IV.H-5, Construction
Equipment Noise Levels. Equipment estimates used for the analysis for grading, building construction,
and asphalt paving noise levels are representative of worse case conditions as it is unlikely that all pieces
of equipment associated with each phase would operate simultaneously at the property lines adjacent to
the nearest sensitive land uses. Based on this assessment, construction noise would exceed the ambient
exterior noise levels by 5 dB(A) at a noise-sensitive land use. A significant impact would occur if
construction activities lasting more than 10 days in a 3-month period would exceed existing ambient
exterior noise levels by 5 dB(A) or more at a sensitive land use. Therefore, noise impacts associated with
the operation of construction equipment would be significant, absent mitigation measures.
It should be noted that the noise levels generated by the types of equipment required for each phase of
construction would be experienced intermittently as construction equipment does not operate
continuously. Construction noise levels experienced at the adjacent sensitive land uses would be well
below the noise levels reflected in Table IV.H-5 during a large portion of the day. Additionally,
construction activities associated with the excavation and shoring of the underground parking area
would be much lower due to the location of the construction activities below grade.
Table IV.H-5
Construction Equipment Noise Levels
Anticipated Noise Levels

Construction Phase Required Equipment at a Distance of 75 feet
Grading and Excavator, grader, rubber-tired dozer, loader, 85.9
Excavation on-road trucks, and water truck
Building Construction Crane, forklift, and loader 83.0
Asphalt Paving 1 Cement and mortar mixers, loader, paver, and 86.6
roller
1 Assumed a maximum of 2 cement and mortar mixers would operate simultaneously at any given time.
February 2010
IV.H Noise
In addition to the heavy-duty construction equipment noise, the movement of equipment and workers to
the project site during construction would generate temporary traffic noise along access routes to the
project site. In general, heavy-duty construction equipment would be moved to the project site once for
each construction phase. Since this would be a temporary occurrence, the movement of heavy-duty
construction equipment would result in a less than significant short-term effect on traffic noise levels. In
addition, daily transportation of construction workers during the building construction phase is expected
to cause increases in noise levels along roadways in the project vicinity. However, given that it takes a
doubling of average daily trips on roadways to increase noise by 3 dB(A) CNEL and that the maximum
amount of construction workers traveling to the project site would not cause a doubling of average daily
trips in the immediate area, the noise level increases along major arterials surrounding the project site
would be less than 3 dB(A). Since changes in a community noise level of less than 3 dB(A) are not
typically noticed by the human ear,18 construction-related traffic noise would be less than significant.
Operational Noise Impacts
NOISE-4 The proposed project would result in a significant impact on noise levels from project operation if
the project would cause the ambient noise level measured at the property line of affected noise uses
to increase by 3 dB(A) in CNEL to or within the “normally unacceptable” or “clearly
unacceptable” category as identified in Table IV.H-4, or any 5 dB(A) or greater noise increase.
Roadway Noise
As discussed previously, the predominant source of existing off-site noise in the vicinity of the project site
is vehicular noise on local roadways. Development of the project would increase the traffic volumes
traveling along local roadways. To evaluate the potential permanent impact associated with increased
vehicle trips generated by operation of the proposed project, noise prediction modeling utilizing the
FHWA noise prediction model was conducted for future traffic levels plus the additional traffic
associated with the project. Future baseline traffic levels account for ambient traffic growth in addition to
the traffic generated by related projects in the study area. The same roadway segments at the same
reference locations previously identified in Table IV.H-2 were analyzed. Roadway geometrics (i.e.,
roadway width, number of lanes, presence of medians, speed limit, etc.) and traffic volumes for the
segments were obtained from the traffic study prepared for the proposed project. The results of the
modeled weekday roadway noise levels are provided in Table IV.H-6, Weekday Modeled Roadway
Noise Levels with Project.
18 U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration, Highway Noise Fundamentals, (1980) 81.
February 2010
NOISE LEVEL (dBA) AT 50 FEET
60 70 80 90 100 110
Compacters (Rollers)
Front Loaders
Backhoes
EARTH MOVING
EQUIPMENT POWERED BY INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINES
Tractors
Scrapers, Graders
Pavers
Trucks
MATERIALS HANDLING
Concrete Mixers
Concrete Pumps
Cranes (Movable)
Cranes (Derrick)
Pumps
STATIONARY
Generators
Compressors
Pneumatic Wrenches
EQUIPMENT
IMPACT
Jack Hammers, Rock Drills
Pile Drivers (Peaks)
Vibrators
OTHER
Saws
Note: Based on limited available data samples.
SOURCE: United States Environmental Protection Agency, 1971, "Noise from Construction Equipment and Operations, Building Equipment, and Home Appliances," NTID 300-1.
FIGURE IV.H-3
Noise Levels of Typical Construction Equipment
947-002•01/10
IV.H Noise
Table IV.H-6
Weekday Modeled Roadway Noise Levels with Project
Future Roadway Future Roadway

Noise Levels Noise Levels Increase as a
Roadway Segment without Project with Project Result of Project
Valley Circle Blvd. north of Devonshire St. 56.2 56.3 0.1
Valley Circle Blvd. south of Devonshire St. 58.3 58.6 0.3
Devonshire St. east of Valley Circle Blvd. 59.8 59.9 0.1
Devonshire St. west of Valley Circle Blvd. 56.0 56.0 <0.1
Valley Circle Blvd. north of Lassen-Andora 57.3 57.6 0.3
Baden Ave. south of Lassen-Andora 57.5 57.6 0.1
Lassen St. east of Valley Circle-Baden 56.2 56.4 0.2
Andora St. west of Valley Circle-Baden 52.0 53.6 1.6
Baden Ave. north of Plummer St. 57.4 57.5 0.1
Plummer St. east of Baden Ave. 60.8 60.8 <0.1
Plummer St. west of Baden Ave. 61.2 61.2 <0.1
Note: Noise level estimates are at 50 feet from the roadway centerline. All noise levels are reported in dB(A) CNEL.
As indicated in Table IV.H-6, the proposed project would result in permanent ambient noise level
increases of 1.7 dB(A) or less on surrounding roadways during the weekday. The greatest project-related
noise increase of 1.7 dB(A) would occur on Andora Street west of Valley Circle Boulevard-Baden Avenue
due to the project trips. A doubling of the traffic volume on a roadway is required in order to produce a
3 dB(A) increase in sound. Given the projected future traffic volumes on roadways in the project vicinity,
the project would not double the number of average daily trips on any given roadway. Therefore, none of
the roadway segments included in the assessment would result in an increase in CNEL of 3 dB(A) within
the “normally unacceptable” or “clearly unacceptable” categories as identified in Table IV.H-4, or by
5 dB(A) within the “normally acceptable” or “conditionally acceptable” categories. Therefore, the
project’s roadway noise impacts would be less than significant.
Other Noise Sources
The project could introduce new stationary noise sources on the project site, including electrical and
mechanical air conditioning, most of which would be located on rooftops or in backyards. Areas
potentially affected by the introduction of such equipment would primarily include the on-site residential
uses. Typically, rooftop mounted equipment sources produce noise levels of approximately 56 dB(A) at
50 feet. Although these noise levels may be annoying within a quiet environment, the existing urban
daytime, evening, and nighttime ambient noise levels within the project area would substantially mask
these on-site sources. In addition, development activities on the project site must comply with LAMC
February 2010
IV.H Noise
Section 41.40 and Chapter XI, Articles 1 through 6, which requires that noise generated by mechanical
equipment not exceed 5.0 dB(A) above ambient noise levels at adjacent property lines. Use of standard
design features such as shielding, enclosures and parapets, proper selection and sizing of equipment, as
well as locating rooftop equipment a suitable distance from sensitive receptors, would ensure compliance
with the LAMC.
Additionally, operation of other stationary noise sources such as amplified sound (from radios, television
sets and similar devices) is subject to other provisions in the LAMC. According to Section 112.01, it is
unlawful for any person within any zone to operate a radio, instrument or similar device for the
producing amplified sound in such a manner that disturbs the peace, quiet, and comfort of neighboring
occupants. Any noise caused by such operation which is audible to the human ear at a distance exceeding
150 feet from the property line of the noise source within any residential zone is considered a violation of
this section, as is any noise that exceeds the ambient noise level of any other occupied property by more
than 5.0 dB(A). Additionally, according to Section 116.01, it shall be unlawful for any person to willfully
make any loud, unnecessary, and unusual noise which disturbs the peace or quiet of any neighborhood
or which causes discomfort or annoyance to any reasonable person of normal sensitivity residing in the
area. Compliance with the LAMC would ensure that impacts resulting from stationary noise sources
introduced to the project site are less than significant.
Cumulative Impacts
Cumulative noise impacts would occur as a result of additional construction activity taking place within
the project area, as well as increased vehicle traffic generated by cumulative development. A list of
related projects is provided in the traffic report for the project. The nearest related projects are located
over a mile away, which provides sufficient buffer to prohibit these project’s individual construction
noise and vibration levels from combining to create a cumulative effect. Therefore, cumulative
construction noise and vibration impacts would be less than significant.
In order to analyze cumulative roadway noise level increases, future roadway noise levels are compared
to existing roadway noise levels. As previously described, future roadway noise levels are based on
traffic generated by the proposed project and related projects in the study area in addition to ambient
traffic growth. As indicated in Table IV.H-7, Weekday Modeled Roadway Noise Levels with
Cumulative Projects, future roadway noise levels would increase existing ambient noise levels by
0.2 dB(A) to 4.9 dB(A) CNEL on surrounding roadways during the weekday. The greatest cumulative
noise increases of 4.9 dB(A) would occur on Valley Circle Boulevard north of Devonshire Street. None of
the roadway segments included in the assessment would result in an increase in CNEL of 3 dB(A) within
the “normally unacceptable” or “clearly unacceptable” categories as identified in Table IV.H-4 or in an
increase of 5 dB(A) within the “normally acceptable” or “conditionally acceptable” categories. Therefore,
cumulative roadway noise impacts would be less than significant.
February 2010
IV.H Noise
Table IV.H-7
Weekday Modeled Roadway Noise Levels with Cumulative Projects
Increase as a
Existing Future Roadway Result of
Roadway Noise Noise Levels Cumulative
Roadway Segment Levels with Project Growth
Valley Circle Blvd. north of Devonshire St. 51.4 56.3 4.9
Valley Circle Blvd. south of Devonshire St. 55.2 58.6 3.4
Devonshire St. east of Valley Circle Blvd. 58.2 59.9 1.7
Devonshire St. west of Valley Circle Blvd. 55.8 56.0 0.2
Valley Circle Blvd. north of Lassen-Andora 53.7 57.6 3.9
Baden Ave. south of Lassen-Andora 53.0 57.6 4.6
Lassen St. east of Valley Circle-Baden 52.9 56.4 3.5
Andora St. west of Valley Circle-Baden 51.8 53.6 1.8
Baden Ave. north of Plummer St. 52.7 57.5 4.8
Plummer St. east of Baden Ave. 59.6 60.8 1.2
Plummer St. west of Baden Ave. 59.7 61.2 1.5
Note: Noise level estimates are at 50 feet from the roadway centerline. All noise levels are reported in dB(A) CNEL.
b. Mitigation Measures
The following mitigation measures are proposed to reduce construction noise impacts.
MM-NOISE-1 All construction activity shall be conducted in accordance with applicable City of Los
Angeles Municipal Codes and Noise Ordinance.
MM-NOISE-2 The project applicant shall require by contract specifications that the following
construction best management practices (BMPs) be implemented by contractors to reduce
construction noise levels:
 Two weeks prior to the commencement of construction, notification must be

provided to surrounding land uses within 300 feet of the project site disclosing the
construction schedule, including the various types of activities that would be
occurring throughout the duration of the construction period;
 Ensure that construction equipment is properly muffled according to industry

standards and in good working condition;
 Place noise-generating construction equipment and locate construction staging areas

away from sensitive uses, except when construction activity is required in areas near
sensitive land uses;
February 2010
IV.H Noise
 Schedule high noise-producing activities between the hours of 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM
to minimize disruption to sensitive uses;
 Implement noise attenuation measures, which may include, but are not limited to,
temporary noise barriers such as curtains around construction areas or noise blankets
around stationary construction noise sources;
 Construction-related equipment, including heavy-duty equipment, motor vehicles,

and portable equipment, shall be turned off when not in use for more than 20
minutes; and
 Construction hours, allowable workdays, and the phone number of the job
superintendent shall be clearly posted at all construction entrances to allow for
surrounding owners and residents to contact the job superintendent. If the City of
Los Angles or the job superintendent receives a complaint, the superintendent shall
investigate, take appropriate corrective action, and report the action taken to the
reporting party. Contract specifications shall be included in the proposed project
construction documents, which shall be reviewed by City of Los Angeles Department
of Building and Safety prior to issuance of a grading permit.
MM-NOISE-3 The project applicant shall require by contract specifications that construction staging
areas along with the operation of earthmoving equipment within the project area be
located far from noise-sensitive sites except when construction activity is required near
sensitive uses. Contract specifications shall be included in the proposed project
construction documents, which shall be reviewed by City of Los Angeles Department of
Building and Safety prior to issuance of a grading permit.
MM-NOISE-4 The project applicant shall require by contract specifications that heavily loaded trucks
used during construction be routed away from residential streets unless no other route
exists. Contract specifications shall be included in the proposed project construction
documents, which shall be reviewed by the City of Los Angeles Department of Building
and Safety prior to issuance of a grading permit.
c. Conclusion
Noise and vibration impacts due to construction of the proposed project would remain significant and
unavoidable after incorporation of the above mitigation measures. Noise impacts due to traffic generated
by the proposed project and stationary noise sources introduced to the project site would be less than
significant. Cumulative noise and vibration impacts would less than significant.
February 2010

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IV.

8' Deflected Noise

"Barrier Effect" Resulting from Differences in Elevation.

Source Deflected Noise

"Barrier Effect" Resulting from Typical Soundwall.

SOURCE: Impact Sciences, Inc. – January 2010

 Ambient (background) sound level;

 Magnitude of sound event with respect to the background noise level;

 Duration of the sound event;

 Number of event occurrences and their repetitiveness; and

 Time of day that the event occurs.

Roadway Segment Existing CNEL in dB(A)

13 City of Los Angeles, L.A. CEQA Thresholds Guide, (2006) I.1-3.

City of Los Angeles General Plan

City of Los Angeles Municipal Code

Zone Decibels Time

2 Nighttime is defined as between 10:00 PM to 7:00 AM the next day.

Residential - Low Density Single

Residential - Multi Family

Transient Lodging - Motels, Hotels

Schools, Libraries Churches,

Auditoriums, Concert Halls,

Sports Arena, Outdoor

Playgrounds, Neighborhood Parks

Golf Courses, Riding Stables,

Office Buildings, Business

Industrial, Manufacturing Utilities,

City of Los Angeles CNEL Guidelines

Groundborne Vibrations Guidelines

3. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ANLAYSIS

Construction Noise Thresholds

Operational Noise Thresholds

Construction Noise Impacts

Anticipated Noise Levels

Operational Noise Impacts

Jack Hammers, Rock Drills

Pile Drivers (Peaks)

Future Roadway Future Roadway

Other Noise Sources

 Two weeks prior to the commencement of construction, notification must be

 Ensure that construction equipment is properly muffled according to industry

 Place noise-generating construction equipment and locate construction staging areas

 Construction-related equipment, including heavy-duty equipment, motor vehicles,

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