Overview of California's efforts in the area of planning for noise compatible land use

Abstract

This paper reviews the role of the California State Government in noise compatible lend use planning. Since the responsibility for land use planning in California lies almost entirely with local government, the State has provided, through various pieces of legislation, the means for insuring that noise is considered in the process. Among the approaches the State has adopted are (1) a requirement that cities and counties adopt a noise element as part of their general plan; (2) the establishment of an Office of Noise Control to provide assistance to local governments and coordinate efforts at the State level; (3) the establishment of airport land use commissions; (4) the use of the EIR/EIS review process; and (5) the adoption of noise insulation standards for multifamily dwellings. The effectiveness of these measures in achieving noise compatible land use is discussed. Examples of good and bad land use in the vicinity of various sources are presented and analyzed. Some alternative approaches are presented and pitfalls pointed out.