4.3 NOISE Environmental Setting. Fundamentals of Sound and Environmental Noise

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1 SECTION 4.3 Noise 4.3 NOISE This section evaluates the impacts of the proposed project associated with noise and vibration within the City of El Segundo. It describes the existing noise environment within and around the project vicinity and the potential for significant increases in noise and groundborne vibration levels due to implementation of the proposed project. Data for this section were developed based on field investigations to measure existing noise levels, a review of current noise standards, and noise assessment methodologies, including the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Highway Noise Prediction Model (FHWA-RD ; FHWA Model), and others contained in the Federal Transit Administration s Transit Noise and Impact Assessment document. Potential direct and indirect impacts resulting from construction and operational activities associated with implementation of the proposed project are identified, and potential mitigation measures that could avoid or reduce impacts are recommended, where feasible. Full reference-list entries for all cited materials are provided in Section (References). Two comment letters were received in response to the Initial Study/Notice of Preparation (IS/NOP) circulated for the proposed project, one from the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) Division of Aeronautics, and from Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA). These comment letters expressed concern regarding the exposure of noise sensitive uses to excessive airport-related noise levels. The IS/NOP and comment letters are included in Appendix A1 of this EIR Environmental Setting Fundamentals of Sound and Environmental Noise Sound is created when vibrating objects produce pressure variations that move rapidly outward into the surrounding air, and it is technically described in terms of amplitude (loudness) and frequency (pitch). The standard unit of sound amplitude measurement is the decibel (db). The decibel scale is a logarithmic scale that describes the physical intensity of the pressure vibrations that make up any sound. The pitch of the sound is related to the frequency of the pressure vibration. Because the human ear is not equally sensitive to a given sound level at all frequencies, a special frequency-dependent rating scale has been devised to relate noise to human sensitivity. The A-weighted decibel scale (dba) provides this compensation by discriminating against frequencies in a manner approximating the sensitivity of the human ear. Noise, on the other hand, is typically defined as unwanted sound. A typical noise environment consists of a base of steady background noise that is the sum of many distant and indistinguishable noise sources. Superimposed on this background noise is the sound from individual local sources. These can vary from an occasional aircraft or train passing by to virtually continuous noise from, for example, traffic on a major highway. Table (Representative Environmental Noise Levels) lists representative noise levels for the environment. City of El Segundo 540 East Imperial Avenue Specific Plan Project EIR 4.3-1

2 CHAPTER 4 Environmental Analysis Table Representative Environmental Noise Levels Common Outdoor Activities Noise Level (dba) Common Indoor Activities Power Saw 110 Rock Band Jet Fly-over at 100 feet Crying Baby Subway 100 Gas Lawnmower at 3 feet Tractor 90 Food Blender at 3 feet Diesel Truck going 50 mph at 50 feet 80 Garbage Disposal at 3 feet Noisy Urban Area during Daytime Gas Lawnmower at 100 feet 70 Vacuum Cleaner at 10 feet Commercial Area Normal Speech at 3 feet Heavy Traffic at 300 feet 60 Sewing Machine Air Conditioner Large Business Office Quiet Urban Area during Daytime 50 Dishwasher in Next Room Refrigerator Quiet Urban Area during Nighttime 40 Theater, Large Conference Room (background) Quiet Suburban Area during Nighttime 30 Library Quiet Rural Area during Nighttime Bedroom at Night, Concert Hall (background) 20 Broadcast/Recording Studio 10 Lowest Threshold of Human Hearing 0 Lowest Threshold of Human Hearing SOURCE: California Department of Transportation Noise, Air Quality, and Hazardous Waste Management Office, Technical Noise Supplement (October 1998), p. 18. Several rating scales have been developed to analyze the adverse effect of community noise on people. Because environmental noise fluctuates over time, these scales consider that the effect of noise upon people is largely dependent upon the total acoustical energy content of the noise, as well as the time of day when the noise occurs. The L eq is a measure of ambient noise, while CNEL are measures of community noise. Each is applicable to this analysis and defined as follows: L eq, the equivalent energy noise level, is the average acoustic energy content of noise for a stated period of time. Thus, the L eq of a time-varying noise and that of a steady noise are the same if they deliver the same acoustic energy to the ear during exposure. For evaluating community impacts, this rating scale does not vary, regardless of whether the noise occurs during the day or the night City of El Segundo 540 East Imperial Avenue Specific Plan Project EIR

3 SECTION 4.3 Noise CNEL, the Community Noise Equivalent Level, is a 24-hour average L eq with a 5 dba weighting during the hours of 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM and a 10 dba weighting added to noise during the hours of 10:00 PM to 7:00 AM to account for noise sensitivity in the evening and nighttime, respectively. The logarithmic effect of these additions is that a 60 dba 24-hour L eq would result in a measurement of 66.7 dba CNEL. L min, the minimum instantaneous noise level experienced during a given period of time. L max, the maximum instantaneous noise level experienced during a given period of time. Noise environments and consequences of human activities are usually well represented by median noise levels during the day or night, or over a 24-hour period. Environmental noise levels are generally considered low when the CNEL is below 60 dba, moderate in the 60 to 70 dba range, and high above 70 dba. Examples of low daytime levels are isolated, natural settings that can provide noise levels as low as 20 dba and quiet, suburban, residential streets that can provide noise levels around 40 dba. Noise levels above 45 dba at night can disrupt sleep. Examples of moderate-level noise environments are urban residential or semi-commercial areas (typically 55 to 60 dba) and commercial locations (typically above 60 dba). People may consider louder environments adverse, but most would accept the higher levels associated with more noisy urban residential or residential-commercial areas (60 to 75 dba) or dense urban or industrial areas (65 to 80 dba). Noise levels from a particular source decline as distance to the receptor increases. Other factors, such as the weather and reflecting or shielding, also intensify or reduce the noise level at a location. A common method for estimating roadway noise is that for every doubling of distance from the source, the noise level is reduced by about 3 dba at acoustically hard locations (i.e., the area between the noise source and the receptor is nearly complete asphalt, concrete, hard-packed soil, or other solid materials) and 4.5 dba at acoustically soft locations (i.e., the area between the source and receptor is normal earth or has vegetation, such as grass). Noise from stationary or point sources (including construction noise) is reduced by about 6 to 7.5 dba for every doubling of distance at acoustically hard and soft locations, respectively. Noise levels may also be reduced by intervening structures; generally, a single row of buildings between the receptor and the noise source reduces the noise level by about 5 dba, while a solid wall or berm reduces noise levels by 5 to 10 dba. The manner in which older homes in California were constructed generally provides a reduction of exterior-to-interior noise levels of about 20 to 25 dba with closed windows. The exteriorto-interior reduction of newer residential units is generally 30 dba or more. 22,23 Fundamentals of Environmental Groundborne Vibration Vibration is sound radiated through the ground. Groundborne noise is the rumbling sound caused by the vibration of room surfaces. The ground motion caused by vibration is measured as particle velocity in inches per second; in the U.S., this is referenced as vibration decibels (VdB). 22 Harris Miller Miller & Hanson Inc., Transit Noise and Vibration Impact Assessment, Final Report (May 2006). 23 U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Transit Administration, Transit Noise Impact and Vibration Assessment (May 2006). City of El Segundo 540 East Imperial Avenue Specific Plan Project EIR 4.3-3

4 CHAPTER 4 Environmental Analysis The background vibration velocity level in residential areas is usually around 50 VdB. The vibration velocity level threshold of perception for humans is approximately 65 VdB. A vibration velocity level of 75 VdB is the approximate dividing line between barely perceptible and distinctly perceptible levels for many people. 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 rarely perceptible. Groundborne vibration is almost never annoying to people who are outdoors. Although the motion of the ground may be perceived, without the effects associated with the shaking of a building, the motion does not provoke the same adverse human reaction. In addition, the rumble noise that usually accompanies building vibration is perceptible only inside buildings. The range of interest is from approximately 50 VdB, which is the typical background vibration velocity level, to 100 VdB, which is the general threshold where minor damage can occur in fragile buildings. Table (Human Response to Different Levels of Groundborne Vibration) describes the general human response to different levels of groundborne vibration velocity levels. Table Human Response to Different Levels of Groundborne Vibration Vibration Velocity Level Human Reaction 65 VdB Approximate threshold of perception for many people. SOURCE: 75 VdB Approximate dividing line between barely perceptible and distinctly perceptible. Many people find that transportation-related vibration at this level is unacceptable. 85 VdB Vibration acceptable only if there are an infrequent number of events per day. Harris Miller Miller & Hanson Inc., Transit Noise and Vibration Impact Assessment, Final Report (May 2006); U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Transit Administration, Transit Noise Impact and Vibration Assessment (May 2006). Existing Noise Environment Land uses within the City of El Segundo include a range of residential, commercial, institutional, and recreational open space areas. The most dominant component of the City's noise environment is the flight operations at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) located north of the City. Vehicular traffic would also be considered one of the primary sources of noise within the City of El Segundo. Noise in the City also occurs from various stationary sources, such as mechanical equipment associated with building structures, the operation of various types of businesses, and sources produced at residential locations. These sources of noise in the City are further described below. Existing Noise Levels Measured Noise Levels Existing daytime noise levels were monitored by Atkins staff at seven locations around the project site, depicted in Figure (Noise Monitoring Locations), in order to identify representative noise levels in the project area. The noise levels were measured using a Larson-Davis Model 814 precision sound level meter, which satisfies the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) for general environmental noise measurement instrumentation. The average noise levels and sources of noise measured at each location City of El Segundo 540 East Imperial Avenue Specific Plan Project EIR

5 E Imperial Ave McCarthy Ct El Segundo Assisted Living-Senior Housing Sheldon St Source: Google Earht Pro, basemap, 2011; Atkins, E Walnut Ave 7 4 # Project Boundary Noise Monitoring Location NOT TO SCALE Figure Noise Monitoring Locations

6 CHAPTER 4 Environmental Analysis are identified in Table (Existing Noise Levels around the Proposed Project Site). As shown in Table 4.3-3, the highest measured noise level was 82.5 dba, which was primarily due to the construction activity near the monitoring site, as well as traffic on McCarthy Court and airplane noise at LAX. Table Position Location 1: On Site, next to the tree West of drive way Existing Noise Levels around the Proposed Project Site Start Time Duration (minutes) Sound Level (dba Leq) Min dba Max dba 8:46 AM Sources Traffic on Imperial Ave and Imperial Highway; Airplanes Location 2: 926 Sheldon Street 9:08 AM Traffic on Sheldon; Airplanes Location 3: 521 Walnut Avenue 9:28 AM Location 4: 909 McCarthy Court 9:48 AM Location 5: On Site, adjacent to 620 Imperial Avenue Location 6: On Site, adjacent to back of 922 Sheldon Street Location 7: On Site, South end access road in between housing SOURCE: Measurements taken by Atkins on April 27, 2011, Appendix D Traffic on Walnut; Airplanes; Pedestrian Noise Traffic on McCarthy; Airplanes; Construction 10:11 AM Airplanes; Traffic on Imperial; Birds 10:32 AM Birds; Traffic on Imperial; Airplanes 10:51 AM Airplanes; Birds; Traffic on Walnut Roadway Noise Levels Existing roadway noise levels were calculated for the roadway segments in the project site vicinity including roadways with predominantly commercial uses and those that have noise-sensitive uses facing the roadways. This task was accomplished using the Federal Highway Administration Highway Noise Prediction Model (FHWA-RD ) and traffic volumes from the project traffic analysis (Appendix D). The model calculates the average noise level at specific locations based on traffic volumes, average speeds, roadway geometry, and site environmental conditions. The average vehicle noise rates (energy rates) utilized in the FHWA noise model has been modified to reflect average vehicle noise rates identified for California by Caltrans. The Caltrans data show that California automobile noise is 0.8 to 1.0 dba higher than national levels and that medium and heavy truck noise is 0.3 to 3.0 dba lower than national levels. The average daily noise levels along these roadway segments are presented in Table (Existing Off-Site Roadway Noise Levels). As shown in Table 4.3-4, the noise level along Imperial Highway and Sepulveda Boulevard corresponds with the high traffic volumes, while the roadway noise levels along the residential streets in the project area are typical of an urban residential neighborhood. Sensitive Land Uses Sensitive land uses are those uses that have associated human activities that may be subject to stress or significant interference from noise. Potentially sensitive land uses in El Segundo include residences (including residences for the elderly), schools, churches, and libraries. Single- and multiple-family City of El Segundo 540 East Imperial Avenue Specific Plan Project EIR

7 SECTION 4.3 Noise residential uses are located adjacent to the proposed project site to the south, east, and west. The residential properties to the south and west are elevated above the project site by varying heights, with a maximum difference of approximately 20 feet created by an earthen berm on the west side of the project site. These residential uses would be considered sensitive receptors with respect to the proposed project. Table Existing Off-Site Roadway Noise Levels Roadway Surrounding Uses dba Ldn Imperial Avenue East of Main Street Residential 48.8 Imperial Avenue East of Sheldon Street Residential 47.8 Imperial Avenue East of McCarthy Court Residential 48.4 Imperial Avenue East of Center Street Residential 50.3 Imperial Avenue East of California Street Residential 48.8 Imperial Highway east of Sepulveda Boulevard Residential 64.0 Walnut Avenue East of Sheldon Street Residential 37.9 Walnut Avenue East of McCarthy Court Residential 40.6 Maple Avenue East of Sheldon Street Residential 47.8 Maple Avenue East of Center Street Residential 48.8 SOURCE: Atkins (2011) (calculation data and results are provided in Appendix D). As shown in Figure (LAX Noise Contours), the proposed project site is bifurcated by the 65 db and 70 db CNEL contours. As such, exterior noise levels at the project site currently exceed noise levels considered normally or conditionally acceptable for residential uses (ranging from 50 to 70 db for singlefamily and multiple-family residential uses). While neither project Option would result in a substantial, permanent increase in exterior noise levels during operation, thereby exacerbating the existing condition, both project Options would increase the permanent, noise-sensitive residential population on the project site Regulatory Framework Various standards have been developed to address the compatibility of land uses and noise levels. The applicable standards are presented in the following discussion. Special emphasis is placed on land uses that are considered to be sensitive to high noise levels. Typical sensitive receptors include residences, schools, childcare centers, hospitals, long-term health care facilities, convalescent centers, and retirement homes. Each of these land use types currently occur within the City. Federal There are no federal noise requirements or regulations applicable to local actions of the City of El Segundo. City of El Segundo 540 East Imperial Avenue Specific Plan Project EIR 4.3-7

8 CHAPTER 4 Environmental Analysis State State of California Noise Standards The state Office of Noise Control in the state Department of Health Services has established guidelines to provide a community with a noise environment that it deems to be generally acceptable. Specifically, ranges of noise exposure levels have been developed for different land uses to serve as the primary tool a city uses to assess the compatibility between land uses and outdoor noise. These noise standards are shown in Figure (Land Use Compatibility with Community Noise Environments). Where a land use is denoted as normally acceptable for the given L dn noise environment, the highest noise level in that range should be considered the maximum desirable for conventional construction which does not incorporate any special acoustic treatment. The acceptability of noise environments classified as conditionally acceptable or normally unacceptable will depend on the anticipated amount of time that will normally be spent outside the structure and the acoustic treatment to be incorporated in the structure s design. Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations includes Sound Transmission Control requirements that establish uniform minimum noise insulation performance standards for new hotels, motels, dormitories, apartment houses, and dwellings other than detached single-family units. Specifically, Title 24 states that interior noise levels attributable to exterior sources shall not exceed 45 dba CNEL in any habitable room of new dwellings. Dwellings are to be designed so that interior noise levels would meet this standard for at least ten years from the time of a building permit application. Title 21, Subchapter 6 of the California Code of Regulations (Airport Noise Standards) establishes 65 dba CNEL as the acceptable level of aircraft noise for persons living in the vicinity of airports. Title 21 applies to airports that have been designated as noise problem airports, which includes LAX. Section 5014 of Title 21 states that noise-sensitive land uses in locations where the aircraft exterior noise level exceeds 65 dba CNEL are generally incompatible, unless (1) an aviation easement for aircraft noise has been acquired by the airport proprietor or (2) the residence is a high-rise apartment or condominium that has an interior CNEL of 45 dba or less in all habitable rooms despite aircraft noise and an air circulation or air conditioning system, as appropriate. It should be noted that El Segundo Unified School District (ESUSD) granted the City of Los Angeles, as owner and operator of LAX an aviation easement for noise, vibrations and fumes over the proposed project site property. Assembly Bill (AB) 2776, passed in 2002 and effective January 1, 2004, modified the state Business and Professions Code and the state Civil Code to require any person who intends to offer subdivided lands, common interest developments, and residential properties for sale or lease within an airport influence area to disclose that fact to the person buying the property. Regional Los Angeles County Airport Land Use Commission In Los Angeles County, the Regional Planning Commission is given the responsibility for coordinating the airport planning of public agencies within the County and functions as the Los Angeles County Airport Land Use Commission (ALUC). The statutes governing ALUCs are set in the state Aeronautics City of El Segundo 540 East Imperial Avenue Specific Plan Project EIR

9 El Segundo Assisted Living-Senior Housing PROJECT SITE SCALE IN MILES Source: City of Los Angeles, September 13, 2010 (X:\Lax\Final_Quarterly_Reports\1q09\lax1q09.apr). Figure LAX Noise Contours

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11 El Segundo Assisted Living-Senior Housing Source: Office of Noise Control, California Department of Health. Figure Land Use Compatibility with Community Noise Environments

12 CHAPTER 4 Environmental Analysis Act part of the California Public Utilities Code (Title 24). The ALUCs are tasked with assisting local agencies in ensuring compatible land uses and to coordinate compatibility planning efforts at the state, regional, and local levels. The ALUC is charged with coordinating the airport land use compatibility planning of the communities surrounding the airports in its jurisdiction. The ALUC fulfills this responsibility through the development of airport land use compatibility plans, known as an Airport Land Use Plan (ALUP), and through the review of plans, regulation, or actions by a local government to ensure compatibility with the adopted ALUP. The Los Angeles County Airport Land Use Plan ALUP includes the following policies related to noise: Policy N-1 Policy N-2 Policy N-3 Policy N-4 Local Use the Community Noise Equivalent Level (CNEL) method for measuring noise impacts near airports in determining suitability for various types of land uses. Require sound insulation to insure a maximum interior 45 dba CNEL in new residential, educational, and health-related uses in areas subject to exterior noise levels of 65 dba CNEL or greater. Utilize the Table Listing Land Use Compatibility for Airport Noise Environments in evaluating projects within the planning boundaries. Encourage local agencies to adopt procedures to ensure that prospective property owners in aircraft noise exposure areas above a current or anticipated 60 dba CNEL are informed of these noise levels and of any land use restrictions associated with high noise exposure. City of El Segundo General Plan Noise Element The Noise Element of the City of El Segundo General Plan addresses public and private development matters related to outdoor noise and aims to minimize the exposure of community residents to excessive noise. In addition, the Noise Element serves as an aid to define acceptable land uses and as a guideline for compliance with California Noise Insulation Standards. The Noise Element policies and actions that are relevant to the proposed project are identified below. Goal N 1 Provision of a Noise-Safe Environment. Encourage a high quality environment within all parts of the City of El Segundo where the public's health, safety, and welfare are not adversely affected by excessive noise. Objective N 1-1 It is the objective of the City of El Segundo to ensure that City residents are not exposed to mobile noise levels in excess of the interior and exterior noise standards or the single event noise standards specified in the El Segundo Municipal Code. Policy N1-1.1 Continue to work for the elimination of adverse noise sources, especially from Los Angeles International Airport West Imperial Terminal, and from helicopter and aircraft flyovers City of El Segundo 540 East Imperial Avenue Specific Plan Project EIR

13 SECTION 4.3 Noise Consistency Analysis Policy N1-1.3 Continue to work with the City of Los Angeles Department of Airports to reduce the noise-impacted area around Los Angeles International Airport to zero. Objective N 1-2 It is the objective of the City of El Segundo to ensure that City residents are not exposed to stationary noise levels in excess of El Segundo's Noise Ordinance standards. Policy N1-2.1 Require all new projects to meet the City s Noise Standards as a condition of building permit approval. Objective N 1-3 It is the objective of the City of El Segundo that the City maintain intergovernmental coordination and public information programs which are highly efficient in their noise abatement efforts. Policy N1-3.1 Encourage site planning to be consistent with the existing and future noise environment and promote development standards in which noise-sensitive projects and residences are mitigated from major noise sources. Short-term and long-term noise control measures should be formulated in a manner compatible with community needs and expectations. Policy N1-3.2 Work to remove non-conforming land uses (mixed usage such as residential uses in commercial or industrial land use designations) which result in noise incompatibility. Policy N1-3.3 Employ effective noise mitigation techniques through appropriate provisions in the building code, subdivision procedures, and zoning and noise ordinances. Policy N1-3.5 Support a continuous effort to evaluate noise levels in the City of El Segundo and to reduce unacceptable noise levels through the planning process. This EIR provides the acoustical analysis necessary to define noise levels on the proposed project site. The analysis includes City requirements and mitigation measures to ensure that noise levels in the exterior activity environments of the project site meet City standards, including limiting the hours of construction in accordance with the El Segundo Municipal Code. The proposed project would generate increased local traffic volumes, and includes pedestrian walkways that connect to nearby transit, to assist City of El Segundo 540 East Imperial Avenue Specific Plan Project EIR

14 CHAPTER 4 Environmental Analysis in vehicular trip and resultant noise minimization. The proposed project would incorporate mitigation measures set forth by the El Segundo Municipal Code and would be compatible with the surrounding residential land uses, and therefore, the proposed project would not conflict with these applicable policies. City of El Segundo Municipal Code Title 7, Chapter 2 Noise and Vibration Chapter 2 (Noise and Vibration) of the El Segundo Municipal Code includes limitations on unnecessary, excessive, and annoying noises within the City. The policies and actions that are relevant to the proposed project are identified below. Section Noise Standards. No person shall, at any location within the City, create any noise, nor shall any person allow the creation of any noise within the person's control on public or private property (hereinafter noise source ), which causes the noise level when measured on any other property (hereinafter receptor property ), to exceed the applicable noise standard, except as set forth in subsection C1 of this Section. A. Residential Property: Five (5) dba above the ambient noise level. B. Commercial and Industrial Property: Eight (8) dba above the ambient noise level. C. Adjustments: 1. Increases to the noise standards as set forth in subsections A and B of this Section may be permitted in accordance with the following: Noise Standards Adjustments Permitted Increase (dba) Duration of Increase (minutes)* less than 1 * Cumulative minutes during any one hour. Section If the receptor property is located on a boundary between two (2) different noise zones, the lower noise level standard applicable to the quieter zone shall apply. Loud, Unusual, and Unnecessary Noises Prohibited. Consistent with other provisions of this Chapter, and in addition thereto, it shall be unlawful for any person to willfully make, produce, suffer or allow to be produced by human voice, machine, animal, or device, or any combination of same, any loud, unusual, or unnecessary noise which disturbs the peace, quiet, and comfort of any neighborhood, or which causes discomfort or annoyance to any reasonable person of normal sensitivity in the area City of El Segundo 540 East Imperial Avenue Specific Plan Project EIR

15 SECTION 4.3 Noise Section Section Section Standards Criteria. The standards which shall be considered in determining whether a violation of the provisions of Section of this Chapter exists shall include, but shall not be limited to, the following criteria: A. The frequency of the noise; B. The intensity of the noise; C. Whether the nature of the noise is usual or unusual; D. The ambient noise level; E. The proximity of the noise to residential sleeping facilities; F. The nature and zoning of the area within which the noise emanates; G. The density of the inhabitation of the area within which the noise emanates; H. The time of the day or night the noise occurs; I. The duration of the noise; J. Whether the noise is recurrent, intermittent or constant; and K. Whether the noise is produced by a commercial or noncommercial activity. Specific Prohibitions. The following acts, and the causing thereof, are declared to be in violation of this Chapter if they occur in such a manner as to disturb the peace, quiet and comfort of any reasonable person of normal sensitivity residing in the area; and occur: A. Between the Hours of 10:00 PM and 7:00 AM: 1. Operating, playing or permitting the operation or playing of any radio, television, phonograph, drum, musical instrument, sound amplifier, or similar device which produces, reproduces or amplifies sound. 2. Using or operating any loudspeaker, public address system or similar device. 3. Loading, unloading, opening, closing, or other handling of boxes, crates, containers, building materials, garbage cans, or similar objects. 4. Repairing, building, rebuilding, adjusting, or testing any motor vehicle. B. Between the Hours of 8:00 PM and 7:00 AM: 1. Refuse Collection Vehicles: a. Collection of refuse with a collection vehicle in a residential area or within five hundred feet (500') thereof; b. Operation or permitting the operation of the compacting mechanism of any motor vehicle which compacts refuse in a residential area or within five hundred feet (500') thereof. 2. Loudspeakers/Public Address Systems: Using or operating for any commercial purpose any loudspeaker, public address system, or similar device on a public right of way or public space. 3. Powered Model: Operating or permitting the operation of powered models. Vibration. Notwithstanding other sections of this Chapter, a person shall not create, maintain, or cause any ground vibration which is perceptible, without the City of El Segundo 540 East Imperial Avenue Specific Plan Project EIR

16 CHAPTER 4 Environmental Analysis Section Section use of instruments, to any reasonable person of normal sensitivity at any point on any affected property. Exemptions. The following activities shall be exempted from the provisions of this Chapter: B. Mechanical or Electronic Devices: Any mechanical or electronic device, apparatus or equipment used, related to or connected with emergency machinery, vehicle, work or warning alarm or bell, provided the sounding of any bell or alarm on any building or motor vehicle shall terminate its operation within fifteen (15) minutes of its activation. D. Construction Noise: Noise sources associated with or vibration created by construction, repair, or remodeling of any real property, provided said activities do not take place between the hours of six o clock (6:00) PM and seven o clock (7:00) AM Monday through Saturday, or at any time on Sunday or a federal holiday, and provided the noise level created by such activities does not exceed the noise standard of sixty-five (65) dba plus the limits specified in subsection 7-2-4C of this Chapter as measured on the receptor residential property line and provided any vibration created does not endanger the public health, welfare and safety. E. Real Property Maintenance: Noise sources associated with the maintenance of real property, provided said activities take place between the hours of seven o clock (7:00) AM and eight o clock (8:00) PM on any day except Sunday, or between the hours of nine o clock (9:00) AM and eight o clock (8:00) PM on Sunday. Permits. A. Circumstances For Issuance: The noise control officer may grant amplified sound or noise permits to applicants who cannot comply with the requirements of this Chapter if the applicant can show that compliance with this Chapter would constitute an unreasonable hardship on the applicant, on the community as a whole, or on other individuals, or that compliance would be impractical. If the noise control officer determines that sufficient controversy may exist regarding an application, the application shall be referred to the City Council. A permit shall not be granted to waive compliance with Section of this Chapter. Title 13, Chapter 1-4 Residential Noise Insulation Standards The City of El Segundo has adopted Section 1255 of the California Building Code to Title 13, Chapter 1-4 of the City s Building Code. The purpose of this section is to establish minimum noise insulation performance standards for new residential dwelling units and additions of habitable rooms to existing residential dwelling units to protect public health, safety, and welfare from the effects of excessive noise, including without limitation, indoor quality of life, speech interference, and sleep disruption. Section Standards. Any new residence or addition of one or more habitable rooms to an existing residence that is within the noise impact boundary for LAX must be designed to ensure that internal noise levels due to LAX do not exceed 45 db City of El Segundo 540 East Imperial Avenue Specific Plan Project EIR

17 SECTION 4.3 Noise CNEL. This standard may be satisfied in two ways: (1) by performing the acoustical analysis described in section E, below, or (2) by employing the prescribed construction methods described in section F, below. Section Acoustical Analysis. A building permit application for a new residence or addition of one or more habitable rooms to an existing residence must comply with the minimum noise insulation performance standards established in this section if it includes an acoustical analysis demonstrating that the proposed design will ensure that internal noise levels due to LAX aircraft noise will not exceed 45 db CNEL standard. The acoustical analysis is subject to verification by the building official, who has the discretion to require post-construction/pre-occupancy acoustic measurement to verify compliance with the 45 db CNEL standard. A. The acoustical analysis must be prepared by or under the supervision of a person experienced in the field of acoustical engineering. The analysis must consider and include: the topographical relationship between LAX aircraft noise sources and the dwelling site, the characteristics of those noise sources, predicted noise spectra and levels at the exterior of the dwelling site, the basis for this prediction (measured or obtained from published data), the noise insulation measures to be employed, and the effectiveness of the proposed noise insulation measures. B. If the interior allowable noise levels are to be met by requiring that windows be unopenable or closed, the design for the structure must also specify a ventilation or air-conditioning system to provide a habitable interior environment. The ventilation system must not compromise the interior room noise reduction. Section Prescribed Construction Methods. A building permit application for a new residence or addition of one or more habitable rooms to an existing residence must comply with the minimum noise insulation performance standards established in this section if the design incorporates the following construction methods. Construction Methods in the 70 db CNEL and Greater Noise Zone Section Exterior Walls. New walls that form the exterior portion of habitable rooms must be constructed as follows: A. Studs must be at least 4 inches in nominal depth. B. Exterior finish must be stucco, minimum ⅞ -inch thickness, brick veneer, masonry, or any siding material allowed by this code. Wood or metal siding must be installed over ½-inch minimum solid sheathing. C. Masonry walls with a surface weight of less than 40 pounds per square foot must require an interior supporting stud wall that is finished with at least ⅝ - inch thick gypsum wall board or plaster. D. Wall insulation must be at least R-11 glass fiber or mineral wool and must be installed continuously throughout the stud space. E. Exterior solid sheathing must be covered with overlapping asphalt felt. F. Interior wall finish must be at least ⅝-inch thick gypsum wall board or plaster. City of El Segundo 540 East Imperial Avenue Specific Plan Project EIR

18 CHAPTER 4 Environmental Analysis Section Section Section Exterior Windows. A. Openable Windows: All openable windows in the exterior walls of habitable rooms must have a laboratory sound transmission class rating of at least STC 40 db and must have an air infiltration rate of no more than 0.5 cubic feet per minute when tested according to ASTM E-283. B. Fixed Windows: All fixed windows in the exterior walls of habitable rooms must: 1. Have a sound transmission class rating of at least STC 40 db, or 2. Must be ⅝-inch laminated glass with STC rating of 40 db and must be set in non-hardening glazing materials, or 3. Must be glass block at least 3½ inches thick. C. The total areas of glazing in rooms used for sleeping must not exceed 20% of the wall area. Exterior Doors. A. Exterior hinged doors to habitable rooms that are directly exposed to aircraft noise and are facing the source of the noise must be a door and edge seal assembly that has a laboratory sound transmission class of at least STC 40 db. B. Exterior hinged doors to habitable rooms that are not directly exposed to aircraft noise and do not face the source of the noise must have a minimum STC rating of 35 db. C. Sliding glass doors in habitable rooms must not be allowed in walls that are directly exposed to aircraft noise. Sliding glass doors in walls that are not directly exposed must have an STC rating of at least 40 db. D. Access doors from attached garage to the interior of a residence must have an STC rating of at least 30 db. Roof/Ceiling Construction. A. Roof rafters must have a minimum slope of 4:12 and must be covered on their top surface with minimum ½-inch solid sheathing and any roof covering allowed by this code. B. Attic insulation must be batt or blow-in glass fiber or mineral wool with a minimum R-30 rating applied between the ceiling joists. C. Attic ventilation must be: 1. Gable vents or vents that penetrate the roof surface that are fitted with transfer ducts at least 6 feet in length that are insulating flexible ducting or metal ducts containing internal 1-inch-thick coated fiberglass sound absorbing duct liner. Each duct must have a lined 90-degree bend in the duct so that there is no direct line of sight from the exterior through the duct into the attic, or 2. Noise control louver vents, or 3. Eave vents that are located under the eave overhang. 4. Ceilings must be finished with gypsum board or plaster that is at least 5/8-inch thick. Ceiling materials must be mounted on resilient channels City of El Segundo 540 East Imperial Avenue Specific Plan Project EIR

19 SECTION 4.3 Noise Section Section Skylights must penetrate the ceiling by means of a completely enclosed light well that extends from the roof opening to the ceiling opening. A secondary openable glazing panel must be mounted at the ceiling line or at any point that provides at least a 4-inch space between the skylight glazing and the secondary glazing and must be glazed with at least 3 /16- inch plastic or laminated glass. The weather-side skylight must be any type that is permitted by the building code. The size of skylights must be no more than 20 percent of the roof area of the room. Ventilation. A. A ventilation system must be provided that will provide at least the minimum air circulation and fresh air supply requirements of this code in each habitable room without opening any window, door or other opening to the exterior. All concealed ductwork must be insulated flexible glass fiber ducting that is at least 10 feet long between any two points of connection. B. Kitchen cooktop vent hoods must be the non-ducted recirculating type with no ducted connection to the exterior. Fireplaces. Each fireplace must be fitted with a damper at the top of the chimney that is operated from the firebox and must have glass doors across the front of the firebox. Section Wall and Ceiling Openings. Openings in the shell of the residence that degrade its ability to achieve an interior CNEL rating of 45 db or less when all doors and windows are closed are prohibited unless access panels, pet doors, mail delivery drops, air-conditioning, or other openings are designed to maintain the 45 db CNEL (or less) standard in the room to which they provide access. Construction Methods in the 65 db CNEL to 70 db CNEL Noise Zone Section Section Exterior Walls. New walls that form the exterior portion of habitable rooms must be constructed as follows: A. Studs must be at least 4 inches in nominal depth. B. Exterior finish must be stucco, minimum ⅞ -inch thickness, brick veneer, masonry, or any siding material allowed by this code. Wood or metal siding must be installed over ½-inch solid sheathing. C. Masonry walls with a surface weight of less than 40 pounds per square foot will require an interior stud wall that is finished with at least ⅝ -inch thick gypsum wallboard or plaster. D. Wall insulation must be at least R-11 glass fiber or mineral wool and must be installed continuously throughout the stud space. E. Exterior solid sheathing must be covered with overlapping asphalt felt. F. Interior wall finish must be at least ⅝-inch thick gypsum wallboard or plaster. Exterior Windows. A. Openable Windows: All openable windows in the exterior walls of habitable rooms must have a laboratory sound transmission class rating of at least STC 35 db and must have an air infiltration rate of no more than 0.5 cubic feet per minute when tested according to ASTM E-283. City of El Segundo 540 East Imperial Avenue Specific Plan Project EIR

20 CHAPTER 4 Environmental Analysis Section Section Section Section B. Fixed Windows: All fixed windows in the exterior walls of habitable rooms must be at least ¼-inch thick and must be set in non-hardening glazing materials. C. The total area of glazing in rooms used for sleeping must not exceed 20% of the floor area. Exterior Doors. A. Exterior hinged doors to habitable rooms that are directly exposed to aircraft noise and are facing the source of the noise must be a door and edge seal assembly that has a laboratory sound transmission class of at least STC 35 db. B. Exterior hinged doors to habitable rooms that are not directly exposed to aircraft noise and do not face the source of the noise must have a minimum STC rating of 30 db. C. Sliding glass doors in habitable rooms must have glass that is 1/4-inch thick. D. Access doors from a garage to a habitable room must have an STC rating of at least 30 db. Roof/Ceiling Construction. A. Roof rafters must have a minimum slope of 4:12 and must be covered on their top surface with minimum ½-inch solid sheathing and any roof covering allowed by this code. B. Attic insulation must be batt or blow-in glass fiber or mineral wool with a minimum R-30 rating applied between the ceiling joists. C. Attic ventilation must be: 1. Gable vents or vents that penetrate the roof surface that are fitted with transfer ducts at least 6 feet in length that are insulating flexible ducting or metal ducts containing internal 1-inch thick coated fiberglass sound absorbing duct liner. Each duct must have a lined 90-degree bend in the duct so that there is no direct line of sight from the exterior through the duct into the attic, or 2. Noise control louver vents, or 3. Eave vents that are located under the eave overhang. D. Ceilings must be finished with gypsum board or plaster that is at least ⅝ -inch thick. E. Skylights must penetrate the ceiling by means of a completely enclosed light well that extends from the roof opening to the ceiling opening. A secondary openable glazing panel must be mounted at the ceiling line and must be glazed with at least 3 /16-inch plastic, tempered, or laminated glass. The weather-side skylight must be any type that is permitted by the building code. Floors. The floor of the lowest habitable rooms must be concrete slab on grade or wood framed floors. Ventilation. A. A ventilation system must be provided that will provide at least the minimum air circulation and fresh air supply requirements of this code in each habitable room without opening any window, door or other opening to the exterior. All City of El Segundo 540 East Imperial Avenue Specific Plan Project EIR

21 SECTION 4.3 Noise Section Section concealed ductwork must be insulated flexible glass fiber ducting that is at least 10 feet long between any two points of connection. B. Kitchen cooktop vent hoods must be the non-ducted recirculating type with no ducted connection to the exterior. Fireplaces. Each fireplace must be fitted with a damper at the top of the chimney that is operated from the firebox and must have glass doors across the front of the firebox. Wall and Ceiling Openings. Openings in the shell of the residence that degrade its ability to achieve an interior CNEL rating of 45 db or less when all doors and windows are closed are prohibited. Any access panels, pet doors, mail delivery drops, air-conditioning, or other openings must be designed to maintain the 45 db CNEL or less standard in the room to which they provide access Impacts and Mitigation Measures Analytic Method This analysis of the existing and future noise environments is based on noise level monitoring, noise prediction modeling, and empirical observations. Noise sensitive land uses include public schools, hospitals, and institutional uses such as churches, museums, and private schools. Typically, residential uses are also considered noise sensitive receptors. Therefore, for the purposes of this analysis, the nearest sensitive receptors to the project site would be the residential uses located adjacent to the proposed project site to the south, east, and west. Additionally, for the purposes of this analysis, these residential uses are assumed to be located within 50 feet of construction and operational activities associated with the proposed project. As previously stated, the residential uses to the south and west are separated from the proposed project site by varying heights, with a maximum difference of approximately 20 feet created by an earthen berm on the west side of the project site. As previously stated, existing noise levels were monitored at selected locations within the project site using a Larson-Davis Model 814 precision sound level meter, which is consistent with the standards of the ANSI for general environmental noise measurement instrumentation. Noise modeling procedures involved the calculation of existing and future vehicular noise levels along individual roadway segments in the site vicinity. This task was accomplished using the FHWA noise model. The model calculates the average noise level at specific locations based on traffic volumes, average speeds, roadway geometry, and site environmental conditions. Traffic volumes utilized as data inputs in the noise prediction model were provided by the 540 East Imperial Avenue Specific Plan Traffic Impact Analysis prepared by Kimley- Horn and Associates, Inc. for the proposed project (Appendix D). The analysis considers future cumulative traffic noise levels, in recognition of expected higher traffic volumes and resultant noise levels in the future, which provide an appropriate benchmark against which project noise can be assessed. Thresholds of Significance The following thresholds of significance are based on Appendix G of the 2011 CEQA Guidelines. For purposes of this EIR, implementation of the proposed project may have a significant adverse impact on noise if it would do any of the following: City of El Segundo 540 East Imperial Avenue Specific Plan Project EIR

22 CHAPTER 4 Environmental Analysis Result in exposure of persons to or generation of noise levels in excess of standards established in the local general plan or noise ordinance, or applicable standards of other agencies Result in exposure of persons to or generation of excessive groundborne vibration or groundborne noise levels Result in a substantial permanent increase in ambient noise levels in the project vicinity above levels existing without the project Result in a substantial temporary or periodic increase in ambient noise levels in the project vicinity above levels existing without the project If located within an airport land use plan or, where such a plan has not been adopted, within 2 miles of a public airport or public use airport, expose people residing or working in the project area to excessive noise levels If located within the vicinity of a private airstrip, expose people residing or working in the project area to excessive noise levels Human Exposure to Noise The CEQA Guidelines do not define the levels at which temporary and permanent increases in ambient noise are considered substantial. A noise level increase of 3 dba is barely perceptible to most people, a 5 dba increase is readily noticeable, and a difference of 10 dba would be perceived as a doubling of loudness. However, as the existing level of ambient noise increases, the allowable level of project generated noise increases, but the total amount that community noise exposure is allowed to increase is reduced. This accounts for the unexpected result that a project noise exposure which is less than the existing noise exposure can still cause impact. As a result, the following thresholds shown in Table (Interior and Exterior Noise Standards) are used with respect to assessing operational roadway noise. The justification for the above thresholds are that people already exposed to high noise levels would notice and be annoyed by a small increase in the amount of noise in their community. In contrast, if the existing noise levels are already low, a greater change in community noise would be required for the equivalent level of annoyance. 24,25 Table Interior and Exterior Noise Standards Ambient Noise Levels Without Project (Ldn or CNEL) Threshold (Ldn or CNEL) < 60 db db or more db db or more > 65 db +1.5 db or more Temporary noise-generating activity, such as noise generated by construction activities, is regulated by the City of El Segundo Municipal Code. Construction activities that would occur outside the designated hours established by Section (D), or exceed the limits expressed thereof, would be potentially significant. Similarly, operational noise resulting from heating ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) 24 Harris Miller Miller & Hanson Inc., Transit Noise and Vibration Impact Assessment, Final Report (May 2006). 25 U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Transit Administration, Transit Noise Impact and Vibration Assessment (May 2006) City of El Segundo 540 East Imperial Avenue Specific Plan Project EIR