Noise Abatement and Control

Information by State  Print version

The location of site and noise generators near sites which are noisy include major roads, railroads, industrial plants, etc. Traffic maps and land use maps from highway departments, planning agencies, railroads, and airport authorities may document such noise generators.

Noise Fact Sheets

Noise Guidebook

Noise Training Modules
Part 1 | Part 2

Guidance for Noise Abatement and Control

Question: Is the site noise-impacted?

Answer: There are several thresholds.

All sites whose environmental or community noise exposure exceeds the day night average sound level (DNL) of 65 decibels (dB) are considered high noise areas. For new construction that is proposed in high noise areas, grantees shall incorporate noise attenuation features to the extent required by HUD environmental criteria and standards contained in Subpart B (Noise Abatement and Control) of 24 CFR Part 51.

The "Normally Unacceptable" noise zone includes community noise levels from above 65 decibels to 75 decibels. Approvals in this noise zone require a minimum of 5 dB additional sound attenuation for buildings having noise-sensitive uses if the day-night average sound level is greater than 65 dB but does not exceed 70 dB, or a minimum of 10 decibels of additional sound attenuation if the day-night average sound level is greater than 70 dB but does not exceed 75 dB.

For new construction and major rehabilitation, locations with day-night average noise levels above 75 dB have unacceptable noise exposure. Noise attenuation measures in these locations require the approval of the Assistant Secretary for Community Planning and Development (for projects reviewed under Part 50) or the Responsible Entity’s Certifying Officer (for projects reviewed under Part 58). The acceptance of such locations normally requires an Environmental Impact Statement. For major rehabilitation projects in the "Normally Unacceptable" and "Unacceptable" noise zones, HUD actively seeks to have project sponsors incorporate noise attenuation features, given the extent and nature of the rehabilitation being undertaken and the level of exterior noise exposure.

In "Unacceptable" noise zones, HUD strongly encourages conversion of noise-exposed sites to land uses compatible with the high noise levels. For further assistance contact the Environmental Contact in your area or James Potter at HUD headquarters.

Question: What do we do if there are noise sources nearby that impact the site and we still want to develop it?

Answer: If a finding is made by a qualified data source stating that the property is located within a "Normally Unacceptable" or "Unacceptable" noise zone, noise attenuation features in accordance with HUD environmental criteria and standards must be incorporated. Include in the Environmental Review Record the plans and a statement of the anticipated interior noise levels. See additional information, including the Noise Guidebook and Fact Sheets, at: www.hud.gov/offices/cpd/environment/review/qa/noise.cfm

Question: What are the documentation requirements for an Environmental Impact Statement waiver in 24 CFR 51.104(b)?

Answer: Detailed guidance is available in the linked fact sheet

Question: Must the environmental review consider noise hazards that may impact a HUD-assisted project?

Answer: Yes. HUD environmental procedures at 24 CFR 50.4(k) and 24 CFR 58.5(i) cite environmental criteria and standards in 24 CFR Part 51. For proposed new construction which is to occur in high noise areas, the environmental review must incorporate noise attenuation features to the extent required by Subpart B— Noise Abatement and Control of 24 CFR Part 51. This applies to the acquisition of undeveloped land if the land will be used for development. In addition, HUD-assisted new construction projects are generally prohibited in Unacceptable Noise Zones (above 75 dB).

Existing Construction and HUD Noise Standards

Question: Do HUD noise standards apply to existing construction?

Answer: For major rehabilitation projects and conversions in the "normally unacceptable" and "unacceptable" noise zones, HUD actively seeks to have noise attenuation features incorporated as part of the rehabilitation to be undertaken. For those properties in "unacceptable noise zones" HUD will go even further and strongly encourage the conversion of such properties to land uses more compatible with the high noise levels.

Required Information

Question: What information is needed to do a noise assessment?

Answer: The noise regulation requires that projections be made for noise levels 10 years from the completion date of project under review. This usually means that traffic projections must be incorporated into the Noise Assessment Guidelines to calculate the future noise level for the site.

Question: Where does one obtain information on noise hazards?

Answer: The local planning agency, the State department of transportation, and the airport agency are typical sources of noise information. Metropolitan Planning Organizations have regional transportation data that can be used to calculate the future noise level.

HUD's Noise Assessment Guidelines provides a basic technical assessment resource for determining noise levels at sites exposed to aircraft, highway and railroad noise.