Development of a model local noise ordinance standard

Abstract

A comprehensive, easy to understand and enforceable local noise ordinance can be a powerful tool in the effort to manage the noise environment at the community level. At the present time, however, many communities do not have a local noise ordinance, and those that do exist can vary considerably. In order to provide guidance to government officials involved in the development of noise ordinances, the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Standards Committee on Noise (S12), Working Group 41 is developing a Model Local Noise Ordinance. Although this effort is still in the early conceptual stages, this paper will describe some of the issues and approaches that are being considered in the development of this document. It is envisioned that Part 1 of this possible new ANSI Standard will address general community noise control issues that should be considered in the development of a noise ordinance and Part 2 will provide a sample noise ordinance with a menu of standardized language sections that can be selected to fit individual community situations. Ranges of recommended noise exposure criteria will be provided, along with a brief discussion of issues that local officials should consider in choosing these criteria.