HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda Statement 1985/02/19 Item 15 COUNCIL AGENDA STATEMENT
Item 15
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Meeting Date 2/5/85
ITEM TITLE: Public Hearing: PCA-85-1 ; Amendment to Chapter 19.66 of the
Chula Vista Municipal Code, Performance Standards, as they
relate to Noise Measurement and Regulations
a. Ordinance ,/o/ Amending Chapter 19.66 of the Chula Vista
Municipal Code, Performance Standards, relating to noise
measurement and regulations SECOND READING AND ADOPTION
SUBMITTED BY: Director of Planning C (; s Vote: Yes No X )
Director of Building & Housi •!�/
REVIEWED BY: City Managero
Council continued this item from January 22, 1985, and requested that staff
consider the following:
1 . Clarify certain ambiguous sections of the draft text.
2. Respond to some of the issues raised at the January 22, 1984, public
hearing.
3. Check with the County Noise Control Officer to make sure the
administrative and enforcement provisions are adequate.
In reconsideration of the text, staff feels that Table II is confusing,
somewhat contradictory, and should be eliminated from the document (p. 3).
With regard to adjustments to the noise level standards for whines, screeches
and so on (a 5 dB adjustment) , staff recommends elimination of the words "as
judged by the Enforcement Officer" and clarification of the range adjustment.
As to potential increases in the overall ambient noise level within an area
over time, staff feels that this has to be addressed with land use, design and
environmental review rather than with noise ordinance standards. The
arrangement of land uses, the employment of buffering techniques, control of
building heights and setbacks, building orientation, curtailment of certain
uses, and environmental mitigation of specific proposals are most appropriate
to control the potential impact of industrial uses on residential properties.
Staff has met with the County Noise Control Officer and the outcome of that
meeting is reflected under separate cover by Mr. Grady.
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Background
Earlier this year, the City Council directed that the staff prepare new noise
regulations for the City as well as purchase new noise monitoring equipment.
This was in response to specific noise complaints in the Otay Valley Road Area
and complaints that Chula Vista's standards and equipment were outmoded.
Thus, a new noise ordinance has been prepared.
In October 1984, the Building and Housing Department purchased more
sophisticated noise monitoring equipment to supplement the current handheld
sound level meters. That equipment included a noise profiling dosimeter with
analyzer, printer and storage interface and a two-channel audio frequency
recorder. The dosimeter allows for sound amplitudes to be computer recorded
and a distribution plotted as to frequency and intensity with a time history
analysis. The type recorder will actually record the sounds with date and
time noted. This dual capability plus on-site visual observation and field
notes will insure effective enforcement of any new regulations.
As to the noise regulations per se, City staff has consulted with SANDAG, the
regional planning agency, reviewed local noise regulations in effect in other
jurisdictions and reviewed the "Model Community Noise Control Ordinance"
prepared by the State of California Department of Health. Noise regulations
were also proposed by Community Systems Associates, Inc. in conjunction with
their preparations of an implementation and design manual addendum for the
Otay Valley Road Redevelopment Project Area.
In November, the City contracted with a noise consultant from the Bay Area,
Mr. Neil Martin, to evaluate the design manual noise proposals and a prototype
state-of-the-art ordinance now in effect in National City. Many of his
recommendations have been consolidated into the current text being considered
for adoption.
RECOMMENDATION: That Council concur with Planning Commission recommendation.
BOARDS/COMMISSIONS RECOMMENDATION: On December 16, 1984, the Planning
Commission unanimously (one member absent) recommended that Council enact an
ordinance amending Chapter 19.66 relating to noise measurement and regulations
in accordance with Resolution PCA-85-1 .
DISCUSSION:
The ordinance proposal includes eight main section headings as follows:
general provisions, definitions, exterior noise limits, interior noise limits,
prohibited acts, special provisions (exemptions) , exceptions, and enforcement.
The essence of the regulations are contained in Tables III and IV of the
text. These tables indicate the decibel levels as measured on a sound level
meter using the A-weighting network. The standards are by land use type; for
example, residential single unit, multiple dwelling, commercial , light and
heavy industry. The noise levels are also differentiated between the time of
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Meeting Date 21b185
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day, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. or 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. Table IV indicates maximum noise
levels and duration for interior noise sources received by a neighboring
dwelling unit. These provisions replace in a much more comprehensive and
detailed fashion the existing performance standards contained in Chapter 19
which are referenced in terms of frequency ranges and octave bands.
In addition to the new noise regulations proposed in the Zoning Ordinance, the
Police Department will continue to enforce Chapter 17.24 of the City Code as
to "Noise and Disorderly Conduct" involving motorcycles and motor vehicles,
loud speakers, phonographs, animals and so on. While some refinement of those
provisions may be forthcoming as amendments, the staff feels that these
provisions have not been a problem and are reasonably enforced by the Police
Department on a complaint basis.
In summary, the measurement techniques, standards, enforcement mechanisms, and
new equipment should assure the City and the community that noise hazards and
nuisances can be prevented and controlled.
FISCAL IMPACT: Not applicable.
WPC 1593P
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