McDonald's NOISE IMPACT ANALYSIS CITY OF LA PALMA

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1 McDonald's NOISE IMPACT ANALYSIS CITY OF LA PALMA PREPARED BY: Bill Lawson, PE, INCE (949) x203 Alex Wolfe (949) x209 OCTOBER 7, 2014

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3 TABLE OF CONTENTS TABLE OF CONTENTS... III APPENDICES... IV LIST OF EXHIBITS... IV LIST OF TABLES... IV LIST OF ABBREVIATED TERMS... V EXECUTIVE SUMMARY... 1 Operational Noise Analysis INTRODUCTION Site Location Project Description FUNDAMENTALS Range of Noise Noise Descriptors Sound Propagation Noise Control Noise Barrier Attenuation Land Use Compatibility With Noise Community Response to Noise REGULATORY SETTING State of California Noise Requirements City of La Palma General Plan Noise Element City of La Palma Code of Ordinances Noise Standards City of Cerritos Municipal Code Noise Standards SIGNIFICANCE CRITERIA Direct Project Impacts Cumulative Project Impacts EXISTING NOISE LEVEL MEASUREMENTS Measurement Procedure and Criteria Noise Measurement Locations Noise Measurement Results METHODS AND PROCEDURES Operational Noise Sources Reference Noise Levels NOISE-SENSITIVE RECEIVERS OPERATIONAL IMPACTS Operational Noise Standards Project Only Operational Noise Levels Operational Noise Impacts REFERENCES CERTIFICATION iii

4 APPENDICES APPENDIX 3.1: CITY OF LA PALMA NOISE ELEMENT APPENDIX 3.2: CITY OF LA PALMA CODE OF ORDINANCES NOISE STANDARDS APPENDIX 3.3: CITY OF CERRITOS MUNICIPAL CODE NOISE STANDARDS APPENDIX 5.1: STUDY AREA PHOTOS APPENDIX 5.2: NOISE LEVEL MEASUREMENT WORKSHEETS APPENDIX 8.1: STATIONARY SOURCE OPERATIONAL NOISE CALCULATIONS LIST OF EXHIBITS EXHIBIT 1-A: LOCATION MAP... 4 EXHIBIT 1-B: SITE PLAN... 5 EXHIBIT 2-A: TYPICAL NOISE LEVELS... 7 EXHIBIT 3-A: NOISE / LAND USE COMPATIBILITY GUIDELINES EXHIBIT 5-A: NOISE MEASUREMENT LOCATIONS EXHIBIT 7-A: NOISE-SENSITIVE RECEIVER LOCATIONS EXHIBIT 8-A: OPERATIONAL NOISE SOURCE LOCATIONS LIST OF TABLES TABLE 3-1: EXTERIOR NOISE LEVEL LIMITS TABLE 4-1: SIGNIFICANCE OF CUMULATIVE NOISE IMPACTS TABLE 5-1: LONG-TERM AMBIENT NOISE LEVEL MEASUREMENTS TABLE 6-1: REFERENCE NOISE LEVEL MEASUREMENTS TABLE 8-1: OPERATIONAL NOISE LEVEL PROJECTIONS (DBA LEQ) TABLE 8-2: OPERATIONAL NOISE LEVEL COMPLIANCE (DBA LEQ) TABLE 8-3: DAYTIME (7:00 A.M. TO 7:00 P.M.) OPERATIONAL NOISE LEVEL IMPACTS (DBA LEQ) TABLE 8-4: EVENING (7:00 P.M. TO 10:00 P.M.) OPERATIONAL NOISE LEVEL IMPACTS (DBA LEQ) TABLE 8-5: NIGHTTIME (10:00 P.M. TO 7:00 A.M.) OPERATIONAL NOISE LEVEL IMPACTS (DBA LEQ).. 34 iv

5 LIST OF ABBREVIATED TERMS (1) Reference ANSI American National Standards Institute CEQA California Environmental Quality Act CNEL Community Noise Equivalent Level dba A-weighted decibels INCE Institute of Noise Control Engineering Leq Equivalent continuous (average) sound level Lmax Maximum level measured over the time interval Lmin Minimum level measured over the time interval mph Miles per hour Project McDonald's v

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7 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY A noise study has been completed to determine the noise exposure and the necessary noise mitigation measures for the proposed McDonald's ( Project ). The Project site is located at 5062 Orangethorpe Avenue in the City of La Palma. The purpose of this noise analysis is to ensure that the proposed development is compatible with the existing and future noise environment. This analysis has been prepared to satisfy the City of La Palma and City of Cerritos noise standards. OPERATIONAL NOISE ANALYSIS Using reference noise levels to represent the proposed double drive-through speakerphones and parking lot activities at the McDonald's site, this analysis estimates the Project operational source noise levels at the nearest noise-sensitive receiver locations (direct project impacts), and estimates the Project noise level contributions (cumulative project impacts) to the existing ambient noise environment. The direct Project operational noise levels will range from 33.5 to 38.9 dba Leq and will not exceed the City of La Palma or the City of Cerritos noise level standards at the sensitive receivers closest to the Project site. Therefore, the Project will create a less than significant direct Project noise level impact on the adjacent sensitive land uses. Further, this analysis demonstrates that the Project will not contribute an operational noise level impact to the existing ambient noise environment at any of the sensitive receiver locations. Therefore, the operational noise level impacts associated with the proposed Project additions to the existing McDonald's site, such as the double drive-through speakerphones and parking lot activities, will be less than significant. 1

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9 1 INTRODUCTION This noise analysis has been completed to determine the noise impacts associated with the development of the proposed McDonald's ( Project ). This noise study briefly describes the proposed Project, provides information regarding noise fundamentals, describes the local regulatory setting, and evaluates the potential Project-related long-term operational noise impacts. 1.1 SITE LOCATION The proposed McDonald's Project is located at 5062 Orangethorpe Avenue in the City of La Palma, as shown on Exhibit 1-A. 1.2 PROJECT DESCRIPTION The proposed Project consists of the development of a McDonald s restaurant in a single building comprised of approximately 5,600 square feet, and double drive-through speakerphones, as shown on Exhibit 1-B. The Project site currently contains an existing McDonald s restaurant with a single drive-through speakerphone and parking lot facilities. 3

10 EXHIBIT 1-A: LOCATION MAP 4

11 EXHIBIT 1-B: SITE PLAN 5

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13 2 FUNDAMENTALS Noise has been simply defined as "unwanted sound." Sound becomes unwanted when it interferes with normal activities, when it causes actual physical harm or when it has adverse effects on health. Noise is measured on a logarithmic scale of sound pressure level known as a decibel (db). A-weighted decibels (dba) approximate the subjective response of the human ear to broad frequency noise sources by discriminating against very low and very high frequencies of the audible spectrum. They are adjusted to reflect only those frequencies which are audible to the human ear. Exhibit 2-A presents a summary of the typical noise levels and their subjective loudness and effects that are described in more detail below. EXHIBIT 2-A: TYPICAL NOISE LEVELS Source: Environmental Protection Agency Office of Noise Abatement and Control, Information on Levels of Environmental Noise Requisite to Protect Public Health and Welfare with an Adequate Margin of Safety (EPA/ONAC 550/ ) March RANGE OF NOISE Since the range of intensities that the human ear can detect is so large, the scale frequently used to measure intensity is a scale based on multiples of 10, the logarithmic scale. The scale for measuring intensity is the decibel scale. Each interval of 10 decibels indicates a sound energy ten times greater than before, which is perceived by the human ear as being roughly twice as loud.(1) The most common sounds vary between 40 dba (very quiet) to 100 dba (very loud). Normal conversation at three feet is roughly at 60 dba, while loud jet engine noises equate to 110 dba at approximately 100 feet, which can cause serious discomfort.(2) Another 7

14 important aspect of noise is the duration of the sound and the way it is described and distributed in time. 2.2 NOISE DESCRIPTORS Environmental noise descriptors are generally based on averages, rather than instantaneous, noise levels. The most commonly used figure is the equivalent level (Leq). Equivalent sound levels are not measured directly but are calculated from sound pressure levels typically measured in A-weighted decibels (dba). The equivalent sound level (Leq) represents a steady state sound level containing the same total energy as a time varying signal over a given sample period. Peak hour or average noise levels, while useful, do not completely describe a given noise environment. Noise levels lower than the peak hour may be disturbing if they occur during times when quiet is most desirable, namely evening and nighttime (sleeping) hours. To account for this, the Community Noise Equivalent Level (CNEL), representing a composite twenty-four hour noise level is utilized. The CNEL is the weighted average of the intensity of a sound, with corrections for time of day, and averaged over 24 hours. The time of day corrections require the addition of 5 decibels to dba Leq sound levels in the evening from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., and the addition of 10 decibels to dba Leq sound levels at night between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. These additions are made to account for the noise sensitive time periods during the evening and night hours when sound appears louder. CNEL does not represent the actual sound level heard at any particular time, but rather represents the total sound exposure. The City of La Palma relies on the 24-hour CNEL level to assess land use compatibility with transportation related noise sources. 2.3 SOUND PROPAGATION When sound propagates over a distance, it changes in level and frequency content. The manner in which noise reduces with distance depends on the following factors GEOMETRIC SPREADING Sound from a localized source (i.e., a stationary point source) propagates uniformly outward in a spherical pattern. The sound level attenuates (or decreases) at a rate of 6 db for each doubling of distance from a point source. Highways consist of several localized noise sources on a defined path and hence can be treated as a line source, which approximates the effect of several point sources. Noise from a line source propagates outward in a cylindrical pattern, often referred to as cylindrical spreading. Sound levels attenuate at a rate of 3 db for each doubling of distance from a line source GROUND ABSORPTION The propagation path of noise from a highway to a receptor is usually very close to the ground. Noise attenuation from ground absorption and reflective wave canceling adds to the attenuation associated with geometric spreading. Traditionally, the excess attenuation has also 8

15 been expressed in terms of attenuation per doubling of distance. This approximation is usually sufficiently accurate for distances of less than 200 ft. For acoustically hard sites (i.e., sites with a reflective surface between the source and the receptor, such as a parking lot or body of water), no excess ground attenuation is assumed. For acoustically absorptive or soft sites (i.e., those sites with an absorptive ground surface between the source and the receptor such as soft dirt, grass, or scattered bushes and trees), an excess ground attenuation value of 1.5 db per doubling of distance is normally assumed. When added to the cylindrical spreading, the excess ground attenuation results in an overall drop-off rate of 4.5 db per doubling of distance from a line source ATMOSPHERIC EFFECTS Receptors located downwind from a source can be exposed to increased noise levels relative to calm conditions, whereas locations upwind can have lowered noise levels. Sound levels can be increased at large distances (e.g., more than 500 ft) due to atmospheric temperature inversion (i.e., increasing temperature with elevation). Other factors such as air temperature, humidity, and turbulence can also have significant effects SHIELDING A large object or barrier in the path between a noise source and a receptor can substantially attenuate noise levels at the receptor. The amount of attenuation provided by shielding depends on the size of the object and the frequency content of the noise source. Shielding by trees and other such vegetation typically only has an out of sight, out of mind effect. That is, the perception of noise impact tends to decrease when vegetation blocks the line-of-sight to nearby resident. However, for vegetation to provide a substantial, or even noticeable, noise reduction, the vegetation area must be at least 15 feet in height, 100 feet wide and dense enough to completely obstruct the line-of sight between the source and the receiver. This size of vegetation may provide up to 5 dba of noise reduction. The FHWA does not consider the planting of vegetation to be a noise abatement measure. 2.4 NOISE CONTROL Noise control is the process of obtaining an acceptable noise environment for a particular observation point or receptor by controlling the noise source, transmission path, receptor, or all three. This concept is known as the source-path-receptor concept. In general, noise control measures can be applied to any and all of these three elements. 2.5 NOISE BARRIER ATTENUATION Effective noise barriers can reduce noise levels by 10 to 15 dba, cutting the loudness of traffic noise in half. A noise barrier is most effective when placed close to the noise source or receptor. Noise barriers, however, do have limitations. For a noise barrier to work, it must be high enough and long enough to block the path of the noise source. (3) 9

16 2.6 LAND USE COMPATIBILITY WITH NOISE Some land uses are more tolerant of noise than others. For example, schools, hospitals, churches and residences are more sensitive to noise intrusion than are commercial or industrial developments and related activities. As ambient noise levels affect the perceived amenity or livability of a development, so too can the mismanagement of noise impacts impair the economic health and growth potential of a community by reducing the area s desirability as a place to live, shop and work. For this reason, land use compatibility with the noise environment is an important consideration in the planning and design process. The FHWA encourages State and Local government to regulate land development in such a way that noise-sensitive land uses are either prohibited from being located adjacent to a highway, or that the developments are planned, designed, and constructed in such a way that noise impacts are minimized. (4) 2.7 COMMUNITY RESPONSE TO NOISE Community responses to noise may range from registering a complaint by telephone or letter, to initiating court action, depending upon each individual s susceptibility to noise and personal attitudes about noise. Several factors are related to the level of community annoyance including: Fear associated with noise producing activities; Socio-economic status and educational level; Perception that those affected are being unfairly treated; Attitudes regarding the usefulness of the noise-producing activity; Belief that the noise source can be controlled. Approximately ten percent of the population has a very low tolerance for noise and will object to any noise not of their making. Consequently, even in the quietest environment, some complaints will occur. Another twenty-five percent of the population will not complain even in very severe noise environments. Thus, a variety of reactions can be expected from people exposed to any given noise environment. (5) Surveys have shown that about ten percent of the people exposed to traffic noise of 60 dba will report being highly annoyed with the noise, and each increase of one dba is associated with approximately two percent more people being highly annoyed. When traffic noise exceeds 60 dba or aircraft noise exceeds 55 dba, people may begin to complain. (5) Despite this variability in behavior on an individual level, the population as a whole can be expected to exhibit the following responses to changes in noise levels. An increase or decrease of 1 dba cannot be perceived except in carefully controlled laboratory experiments, a change of 3 dba are considered barely perceptible, and changes of 5 dba are considered readily perceptible. (3) 10

17 3 REGULATORY SETTING To limit population exposure to physically and/or psychologically damaging as well as intrusive noise levels, the federal government, the State of California, various county governments, and most municipalities in the state have established standards and ordinances to control noise. In most areas, automobile and truck traffic is the major source of environmental noise. Traffic activity generally produces an average sound level that remains fairly constant with time. Air and rail traffic, and commercial and industrial activities are also major sources of noise in some areas. Federal, state, and local agencies regulate different aspects of environmental noise. Federal and state agencies generally set noise standards for mobile sources such as aircraft and motor vehicles, while regulation of stationary sources is left to local agencies. 3.1 STATE OF CALIFORNIA NOISE REQUIREMENTS The State of California regulates freeway noise, sets standards for sound transmission, provides occupational noise control criteria, identifies noise standards and provides guidance for local land use compatibility. State law requires that each county and city adopt a General Plan that includes a Noise Element which is to be prepared according to guidelines adopted by the Governor s Office of Planning and Research. (6) The purpose of the Noise Element is to limit the exposure of the community to excessive noise levels. In addition, the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) requires that all known environmental effects of a project be analyzed, including environmental noise impacts. 3.2 CITY OF LA PALMA GENERAL PLAN NOISE ELEMENT The City of La Palma has adopted a Noise Element of the General Plan to control and abate environmental noise, and to protect its citizens from excessive exposure to noise. (7) The Noise Element specifies the maximum allowable unmitigated exterior noise levels for new developments impacted by transportation noise sources such as arterial roads, freeways, and railroads. In addition, the Noise Element identifies noise polices designed to minimize adverse noise impacts on residents and visitors, and to preserve a quality noise environment for City residents at all hours of the day.(7) To protect residents from the adverse noise impacts, the City of La Palma has identified the following goal in the General Plan Noise Element: N-1 Ensure that the noise environments in La Palma do not impinge upon the high quality of our neighborhoods and business districts. To support this goal, the City of La Palma has created the following policies: N-1.1 N-1.2 N-1.3 N-1.4 Enforce state noise insulation standards for proposed projects in high noise environments. Enforce the City s noise ordinance for those noise sources that are not pre-empted by other agencies. Design new development projects so that potential noise impacts are minimized. Require that mixed-use structures be designed to account for noise from adjacent uses within the mixed-use development. 11

18 N-1.5 Provide for vigorous and consistent enforcement of state Motor Vehicle Code noise standards for cars, trucks, and motorcycles LAND USE COMPATIBILITY The policies included in the General Plan Noise Element consider land use compatibility, but do not identify specific exterior noise level compatibility standards for transportation related noise. The Noise / Land Use Compatibility Guidelines matrix, shown on Exhibit 3-A, provides the City with a planning tool to gauge the compatibility of land uses relative to existing and future exterior noise levels. According to the City s Noise / Land Use Compatibility Guidelines, Figure 3-3 of the Noise Element, noise sensitive land uses such as Single-Family residential are considered normally acceptable with exterior noise levels below 65 dba CNEL and conditionally acceptable with noise levels below 70 dba CNEL. Based on these guidelines, an exterior noise level of 65 dba CNEL is generally considered the maximum exterior noise level for noise-sensitive receivers. The City of La Palma Noise Element is included in Appendix

19 EXHIBIT 3-A: NOISE / LAND USE COMPATIBILITY GUIDELINES 13

20 3.3 CITY OF LA PALMA CODE OF ORDINANCES NOISE STANDARDS To analyze noise impacts originating from a designated fixed location or private property such as the McDonald's Project, area source (stationary source) noise such as the expected double drive-through speakerphones and parking lot activities are typically evaluated against standards established under the City s Municipal Code OPERATIONAL NOISE STANDARDS The Project operational noise impacts are governed by the City of La Palma Code of Ordinances, Chapter 44 Zoning, Article III Standards Applicable in All Zoning Districts, Division 1 Generally, Section Noise, included in Appendix 3.2. For all zoning districts, the Code of Ordinances indicates that no use shall create or cause to be created any sound which exceeds the Exterior Noise Standards outlined in Table III-2. The Exterior Noise Standards limit the maximum allowable exterior noise level to 65 dba during the daytime hours (7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.), 50 dba during the evening hours (7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.), and 45 dba during the nighttime hours (10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.), as shown on Table 3-1. (8) However, since some the nearest sensitive receivers in the Project study area are located in the City of Cerritos, the Project operational noise level impacts are also evaluated against the City of Cerritos Municipal Code standards, as presented in Section CITY OF CERRITOS MUNICIPAL CODE NOISE STANDARDS Sensitive receivers in the Project study area are located within the City of Cerritos, and therefore, the noise impacts originating from the operational (stationary source) activities at the Project site are evaluated against standards established under the City of Cerritos Municipal Code OPERATIONAL NOISE STANDARDS The City of Cerritos Municipal Code contains noise standards for stationary noise sources affecting specific land uses. For the purposes of this analysis, the noise level standards found in Title 22 Development Plan, Chapter 80 Environmental Performance Standards, Section Noise, shall apply to the stationary-source noise associated with the operation of the Project as it affects surrounding land uses. According to the City of Cerritos Municipal Code, the operational noise levels shall not exceed 50 dba at any time for noise-sensitive Residential land uses, as shown on Table 3-1.(9) The City of Cerritos Municipal Code noise standards are included in Appendix

21 TABLE 3-1: EXTERIOR NOISE LEVEL LIMITS City Zoning District Time Period Maximum Permissible Exterior Noise Levels (Leq dba) 3 La Palma 1 All Daytime (7 a.m.-7 p.m.) 65 Evening (7 p.m.-10 p.m.) 50 Nighttime (10 p.m.-7 a.m.) 45 Cerritos 2 Residential Any Time 50 1 Source: Section of the City of La Palma Code of Ordinances. 2 Source: Section of the City of Cerritos Municipal Code. 3 Leq represents a steady state sound level containing the same total energy as a time varying signal over a given sample period. 15

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23 4 SIGNIFICANCE CRITERIA The following significance criteria are based on guidance provided by Appendix G of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines. For the purposes of this report, impacts would be potentially significant if the Project is determined to result in or cause: 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; Exposure of persons to or generation of excessive ground-borne vibration or ground-borne noise levels. A substantial permanent increase in ambient noise levels in the Project vicinity above existing levels without the proposed Project; or A substantial temporary or periodic increase in ambient noise levels in the Project vicinity above noise levels existing without the proposed Project. While the CEQA Guidelines and the City of La Palma General Plan Guidelines provide direction on noise compatibility and establish noise standards by land use type that are sufficient to assess the significance of noise impacts under the first threshold, they do not define the levels at which increases are considered substantial for use under the second, third and fourth threshold. Under CEQA, consideration must be given to the magnitude of the increase, the existing ambient noise levels and the location of noise-sensitive receptors in order to determine if a noise increase represents a significant adverse environmental impact. 4.1 DIRECT PROJECT IMPACTS Noise impacts shall be considered significant if any of the following occur as a direct result of the proposed development: If project related operational (stationary source) noise levels: o exceed 65 dba during the daytime hours (7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.), 50 dba during the evening hours (7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.), and 45 dba Leq during the nighttime hours (10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.) at nearby noise sensitive residential land uses in the City of La Palma (City of La Palma Code of Ordinances, Section ); or o exceed 50 dba at any time at nearby residential land uses in the City of Cerritos (City of Cerritos Municipal Code, Section ). 4.2 CUMULATIVE PROJECT IMPACTS According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) (10), cumulative impacts represent the combined incremental effects of human activities that accumulate over time. While the incremental impacts may be insignificant by themselves, the combined effect may result in a significant impact. The significance of cumulative noise impacts varies depending on the condition of the existing without project noise environment and the future with project related noise level increases. 17

24 Unfortunately, there is no completely satisfactory way to measure the subjective effects of noise or of the corresponding reactions of annoyance and dissatisfaction. This is primarily because of the wide variation in individual thresholds of annoyance and differing individual experiences with noise. Thus, an important way of determining a person s subjective reaction to a new noise is the comparison of it to the existing environment to which one has adapted the so-called ambient environment. In general, the more a new noise exceeds the previously existing ambient noise level, the less acceptable the new noise will be judged. With this in mind, the Federal Interagency Committee on Noise (FICON) (11) developed guidance to be used for the assessment of project-generated increases in noise levels that take into account the ambient noise level. The FICON recommendations are based on studies that relate aircraft noise levels to the percentage of persons highly annoyed by aircraft noise. Although the FICON recommendations were specifically developed to assess aircraft noise impacts, these recommendations are often used in environmental noise impact assessments involving the use of cumulative noise exposure metrics, such as the average-daily noise level (i.e., CNEL). For example, if the ambient noise environment is quiet (<60 dba) and the new noise source greatly increases the noise levels, an impact may occur even though the noise criteria might not be exceeded. Therefore, for the purpose of this analysis, a readily perceptible 5 dba or greater project related noise level increase is considered a significant impact when nearby noisesensitive receivers are affected. According to the FICON, in areas where the without project noise levels range from 60 to 65 dba a 3 dba barely perceptible noise level increase appears to be appropriate for most people. When the without project noise levels already exceed 65 dba, any increase in community noise louder than 1.5 dba or greater is considered a significant impact if noise-sensitive receivers are affected, since it likely contributes to an existing noise deficiency. Table 4.1 below provides a summary of the cumulative noise impact significance criteria. TABLE 4-1: SIGNIFICANCE OF CUMULATIVE NOISE IMPACTS Without Project Noise Level (CNEL) Project Related Significant Impact < 60 dba 5 dba or more dba 3 dba or more > 65 dba 1.5 dba or more Federal Interagency Committee on Noise (FICON),

25 5 EXISTING NOISE LEVEL MEASUREMENTS To assess the existing noise level environment, five long-term noise level measurements were taken at the existing drive-through speakerphone location and noise-sensitive receiver locations in the Project study area. The noise receiver locations were selected to describe and document the existing noise environment within the Project study area. Exhibit 5-A provides the boundaries of the Project study area and the noise level measurement locations. The noise level measurements were collected by Urban Crossroads, Inc. on Wednesday, October 1 st, Appendix 5.1 includes study area photos. 5.1 MEASUREMENT PROCEDURE AND CRITERIA To describe the existing noise environment, the hourly noise levels were measured during typical weekday conditions over a 24-hour period. By collecting individual hourly noise level measurements, it is possible to describe the daytime, evening, and nighttime hourly noise levels and calculate the 24-hour CNEL. The long-term noise readings were recorded using Piccolo Type 2 integrating sound level meter and dataloggers. The Piccolo sound level meters were calibrated using a Larson-Davis calibrator, Model CAL 150. All noise meters were programmed in "slow" mode to record noise levels in "A" weighted form. The sound level meters and microphones were equipped with a windscreen during all measurements. All noise level measurement equipment meets American National Standards Institute (ANSI) standard specifications for sound level meters ANSI S (R2006)/ANSI S1.4a-1985 (R2006).(12) 5.2 NOISE MEASUREMENT LOCATIONS To describe the existing noise environment, it is not necessary to collect measurements at each individual building or residence, because each receiver measurement represents a group of buildings that share acoustical equivalence. In other words, the area represented by the receiver shares similar shielding, terrain, and geometric relationship to the reference noise source. Receivers represent a location of noise sensitive areas and are used to estimate the future noise level impacts. Collecting reference ambient noise level measurements at the nearby sensitive receiver locations allows for a comparison of the before and after Project noise levels and is necessary to assess the potential cumulative noise impacts. 19

26 EXHIBIT 5-A: NOISE MEASUREMENT LOCATIONS 20

27 5.3 NOISE MEASUREMENT RESULTS To describe the existing ambient noise environment, the noise measurements presented below focus on the average or equivalent sound levels (Leq). The equivalent sound level (Leq) represents a steady state sound level containing the same total energy as a time varying signal over a given sample period. Table 5-1 identifies the average hourly daytime (7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.), evening (7:00 p.m. to 10:00p.m.), and nighttime (10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.) noise levels at each noise level measurement location. Appendix 5.2 provides a summary of the existing hourly ambient noise levels described below: Location L1 represents the existing noise levels at the drive-through speakerphone adjacent to the existing McDonald s restaurant in the City of La Palma. Based on the noise level measurements, the existing daytime hourly ambient noise levels ranged from 61.1 to 65.1 dba Leq resulting in an energy (logarithmic) average daytime noise level of 63.0 dba Leq. The existing evening hourly ambient noise levels ranged from 61.3 to 62.5 dba Leq, resulting in an energy (logarithmic) average evening noise level of 61.9 dba Leq. During the nighttime hours, the measured ambient noise levels ranged from 56.8 to 64.5 dba Leq producing an energy (logarithmic) average nighttime noise level of 60.2 dba Leq. A review of the 24-hour Community Noise Equivalent Level (CNEL) indicates that the overall unmitigated exterior noise level is 67.5 dba CNEL. Location L2 represents an additional noise level measurement at the existing drive-through speakerphone within the Project site, located in the City of La Palma. The noise level measurements show an overall 24-hour unmitigated exterior noise level of 66.5 dba CNEL at this location. The hourly noise levels measured at location L2 ranged from 60.3 to 64.2 dba Leq during the daytime hours, from 60.3 to 61.5 dba Leq during the evening hours, and from 55.4 to 63.5 dba Leq during the nighttime hours. The energy (logarithmic) average noise levels were calculated at 62.2 dba Leq for the daytime hours, 60.9 dba Leq for the evening hours, and 59.3 dba Leq for the nighttime hours. Location L3 represents the unmitigated ambient noise levels at the western Project site boundary near the existing commercial building south of the Project site in the City of La Palma. According to the noise measurement results, the overall unmitigated 24-hour CNEL was calculated at 64.2 dba based on the hourly noise levels. A review of the hourly noise levels show that the existing daytime hourly ambient noise levels ranged from 55.4 to 62.9 dba Leq resulting in an energy (logarithmic) average daytime noise level of 58.5 dba Leq. The evening hourly noise levels ranged from 58.7 to 59.4 dba Leq, resulting in an energy (logarithmic) average noise level of 59.0 dba Leq. During the nighttime hours, the measured ambient noise levels ranged from 54.2 to 60.3 dba Leq producing an energy (logarithmic) average nighttime noise level of 57.2 dba Leq. Location L4 represents the existing ambient noise levels southwest of the Project site along Carmenita Road in the City of La Palma, across from existing residential land uses located in the City of Cerritos. At this location, the unmitigated 24-hour CNEL was calculated based on the hourly noise levels at 71.9 dba CNEL. The existing daytime hourly noise levels were measured at 66.9 to 70.1 dba Leq, with the evening hours ranging from 66.5 to 67.9 dba Leq, and the nighttime hours ranging from 59.3 to 68.7 dba Leq. The energy (logarithmic) average noise levels were calculated at 68.4 dba Leq for the daytime hours, 67.1 dba Leq for the evening hours, and 64.2 dba Leq for the nighttime hours. 21

28 Located north of the Project site, noise measurement location L5 represents the existing ambient noise levels at the residential land use along Orangethorpe Avenue (South Street) in the City of Cerritos. Based on the noise level measurements, the existing daytime hourly ambient noise levels ranged from 67.0 to 70.3 dba Leq resulting in an energy (logarithmic) average daytime noise level of 68.4 dba Leq. The existing evening hourly ambient noise levels ranged from 66.8 to 67.6 dba Leq, resulting in an energy (logarithmic) average evening noise level of 67.1 dba Leq. During the nighttime hours, the measured ambient noise levels ranged from 59.5 to 69.8 dba Leq producing an energy (logarithmic) average nighttime noise level of 64.6 dba Leq. A review of the 24-hour CNEL indicates that the overall unmitigated exterior noise level is 72.1 dba. Table 5-1 provides the (energy average) noise levels used to describe the daytime, evening, and nighttime ambient conditions. These daytime, evening, and nighttime energy average noise levels represent the average of all hourly noise levels observed during these time periods expressed as a single number. Appendix 5.2 provides a summary of the hourly noise levels for each hour as well as the minimum and maximum noise level observed during the daytime, evening, and nighttime periods. The background ambient noise levels in the Project study area are dominated by the transportation related noise associated with the arterial roadway network. This includes the auto and heavy truck activities near the noise level measurement locations. Secondary background ambient noise is also included in the noise level measurements, however, these impacts are generally overshadowed by the nearby vehicular traffic noise levels. The long-term noise level measurements shown on Table 5-1 present the worst-case existing unmitigated ambient noise conditions. 22

29 CNEL TABLE 5-1: LONG-TERM AMBIENT NOISE LEVEL MEASUREMENTS Location 1 Date City Description Adjacent Hourly Noise Level (dba Leq) Land Use 2 Daytime Evening Nighttime 3 L1 10/1/2014 La Palma Located within the Project site boundary, northeast of the existing drive-thru speakerphone. Planned Neighborhood Development L2 10/1/2014 La Palma Located within the Project site boundary, northeast of the existing drive-thru speakerphone. Planned Neighborhood Development L3 10/1/2014 La Palma L4 10/1/2014 La Palma L5 10/1/2014 Cerritos Located adjacent to the western Project site boundary near the existing commercial building south of the Project. Located southwest of the Project site along Carmenita Road across from existing single-family residential dwellings. Located north of the Project site across Orangethorpe Avenue adjacent to existing single-family residential dwellings. Planned Neighborhood Development Low Density Residential Low Density Residential 1 See Exhibit 5-A for the noise level measurement locations. 2 Sources: City of La Palma Land Use and Zoning Map, January 2012, and the City of Cerritos General Plan Land Use Map, July Energy (logarithmic) average hourly levels. The long-term measurements printouts are included in Appendix 5.2. "Daytime" = Between the hours of 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. "Evening" = Between the hours of 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. "Nighttime" = Between the hours of 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m

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31 6 METHODS AND PROCEDURES The following section outlines the methods and procedures used to model and analyze the future long-term operational (stationary source) noise impacts. 6.1 OPERATIONAL NOISE SOURCES The operational noise impacts associated with the proposed Project are expected to include two drive-through speakerphones and parking lot activities. Furthermore, this analysis assumes the Project would be operational 24 hours per day, seven days per week. This noise analysis is intended to describe noise level impacts associated with the expected typical drive-through operations at the Project site. 6.2 REFERENCE NOISE LEVELS To estimate the Project operational noise impacts, reference noise level measurements were collected from similar types of activities to represent the noise levels expected with the development of the proposed Project. This section provides a detailed description of the reference noise level measurements shown on Table 6-1 used to estimate the Project operational noise impacts. It is important to note that the following projected noise levels assume the worst-case noise environment with the drive-through speakerphones and parking lot activities all operating simultaneously. In reality, these noise level impacts will vary depending on the time of day and level of activity at the McDonald's DRIVE-THROUGH SPEAKERPHONES To describe the potential noise level impacts associated with the Project s planned double drive-through speakerphones, a reference noise level measurement was collected on Tuesday, November 19 th, 2013 at a McDonald s fast food restaurant located at 612 East Redlands Boulevard in the City of Redlands. The reference noise levels collected at the McDonald s restaurant are expected to reflect the drive-through speakerphone noise level activities at the Project site, since the reference measurement includes double drive-through speakerphone activity noise. The noise sources included in the reference noise level measurement consist of voices of the McDonald s employees over the speakerphones and the customers ordering food, as well as vehicle noise from customer cars idling and driving in the drive-through lane. As shown on Table 6-1, at a distance of six feet from the speakerphone, a reference noise level of 62.1 dba Leq was measured. The drive-through speakerphone activities are estimated to operate for 60 minutes during the peak hour conditions PARKING LOT ACTIVITY To determine the noise level impacts associated with parking lot noise, Urban Crossroads also collected reference noise level measurements on Tuesday, November 19 th, 2013 at the same McDonald s fast food restaurant located at 612 East Redlands Boulevard in the City of Redlands. The twenty-nine minute noise level measurement indicates that the parking lot activity generates a noise level of 61.8 dba Leq at a distance of ten feet. The parking lot noise levels 25

32 are mainly due to cars pulling in and out of spaces and the opening and closing of car doors. Noise associated with parking lot activity is expected during the typical daytime, evening, and nighttime conditions for the entire hour (60 minutes). TABLE 6-1: REFERENCE NOISE LEVEL MEASUREMENTS Noise Source Duration (hh:mm:ss) Distance From Source (Feet) Noise Source Height (Feet) Hourly Activity (Minutes) 2 Hourly (dba Leq) Drive-Through Speakerphone 1 16:56 6' 4' Parking Lot Activity 1 29:00 10' 5' As measured by Urban Crossroads, Inc. on 11/19/2013 at the Redlands McDonald's fast food restaurant. 2 Duration (minutes within the hour) of noise activity during peak hourly conditions. 26

33 7 NOISE-SENSITIVE RECEIVERS To assess the potential long-term operational noise impacts from the Project, the following five noise-sensitive receiver locations, as shown on Exhibit 7-A, were identified. Sensitive receivers are generally defined as locations where people reside or where the presence of unwanted sound could otherwise adversely affect the use of the land. Noise sensitive land uses are generally considered to include: schools, hospitals, single-family dwellings, mobile home parks, churches, libraries, and recreation areas. Moderately noise-sensitive land uses typically include: multi-family dwellings, hotels, motels, dormitories, out-patient clinics, cemeteries, golf courses, country clubs, athletic/tennis clubs, and equestrian clubs. Land uses which are considered relatively insensitive to noise include business, commercial, and professional developments. Land uses that are typically not affected by noise include: industrial, manufacturing, utilities, agriculture, natural open space, undeveloped land, parking lots, warehousing, liquid and solid waste facilities, salvage yards, and transit terminals. Sensitive receivers in the vicinity of the Project site include the single-family residential land uses located at receiver locations R1 to R5: R1: Located approximately 302 feet southwest of the Project site, R1 represents the existing single-family residential dwellings along Carmenita Road in the City of Cerritos. Longterm measurement location L4 is used to describe the existing ambient noise conditions at this location. R2 Location R2 represents single-family residential dwellings located approximately 258 feet west of the Project site along Carmenita Road in the City of Cerritos. A long-term noise level measurement was taken near this location, L4, to describe the existing ambient noise environment. R3: Location R3 represents the existing single-family residential dwellings located approximately 121 feet north of the Project site across Orangethorpe Avenue in the City of Cerritos. A long-term measurement was taken at this location, L5, to describe the existing ambient noise environment. R4: Located approximately 118 feet north of the Project site, R4 represents the existing single-family residential dwellings along Orangethorpe Avenue in the City of Cerritos. Long-term measurement location L5 is used to describe the existing ambient noise conditions at this location. R5 Location R5 represents the existing single-family residential dwellings located roughly 288 feet southeast of the Project site in the City of La Palma. Long-term measurement location L5 is used to describe the existing ambient noise conditions at this location. 27

34 EXHIBIT 7-A: NOISE-SENSITIVE RECEIVER LOCATIONS 28

35 8 OPERATIONAL IMPACTS This section analyzes the potential stationary-source operational noise impacts at nearby receiver locations resulting from the development of the proposed McDonald's Project. Exhibit 8-A identifies the location of the five noise-sensitive receiver locations and the noise sources associated with the proposed Project, which are used to assess the long-term operational noise level impacts. 8.1 OPERATIONAL NOISE STANDARDS The Project operational noise impacts are governed by the City of La Palma Code of Ordinances, Chapter 44 Zoning, Article III Standards Applicable in All Zoning Districts, Division 1 Generally, Section , included in Appendix 3.2. For all zoning districts, the Code of Ordinances indicates that no use shall create or cause to be created any sound which exceeds the Exterior Noise Standards outlined in Table III-2. The Exterior Noise Standards limit the maximum allowable exterior noise level to 65 dba during the daytime hours (7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.), 50 dba during the evening hours (7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.), and 45 dba during the nighttime hours (10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.). (8) However, since some the nearest sensitive receivers in the Project study area are located in the City of Cerritos, the Project operational noise level impacts are also evaluated against the City of Cerritos Municipal Code standards. The City of Cerritos Municipal Code contains noise standards for stationary noise sources affecting specific land uses. For the purposes of this analysis, the noise level standards found in Title 22 Development Plan, Chapter 80 Environmental Performance Standards, Section Noise shall apply to the stationary-source noise associated with the operation of the Project as it affects surrounding land uses. According to the City of Cerritos Municipal Code, the operational noise levels shall not exceed 50 dba at any time for noise-sensitive Residential land uses.(9) The City of Cerritos Municipal Code noise standards are included in Appendix

36 EXHIBIT 8-A: OPERATIONAL NOISE SOURCE LOCATIONS 30

37 8.2 PROJECT ONLY OPERATIONAL NOISE LEVELS Using the reference noise levels, described in Section 6, to represent the proposed double drive-through speakerphones and parking lot activities, it is possible to estimate the Project operational source noise levels at the Project site (direct project impacts) at each of the five noise receiver locations, and estimate the Project contribution (cumulative project impacts). The operational noise level calculations, shown on Table 8-1, include the distance attenuation and the noise barrier attenuation in the estimated Project related hourly noise levels. The hourly noise levels associated with the McDonald's operations are expected to generate direct Project noise levels ranging from 33.5 to 38.9 dba Leq. The stationary source operational noise calculations are included in Appendix OPERATIONAL NOISE IMPACTS The operational noise level projections for each receiver near the Project site are identified in Table 8-1. Table 8-2 shows a comparison of the Project operational noise level projections with the City of La Palma and City of Cerritos noise standards for stationary sources at affected land uses. The off-site operational noise level calculations, shown on Tables 8-3 to 8-5, identify the cumulative Project impacts to daytime, evening, and nighttime noise levels DIRECT PROJECT OPERATIONAL NOISE IMPACTS The Project only operational noise level projections, shown on Table 8-2, account for the distance attenuation provided due to geometric spreading, when sound from a localized stationary source (i.e., a point source) propagates uniformly outward in a spherical pattern. With geometric spreading, sound levels attenuate (or decrease) at a rate of 6 db for each doubling of distance from a point source (drive-through) and 4.5 db for each doubling of distance from a line source (parking lot). The direct Project operational noise levels, shown on Table 8-2, will range from 33.5 to 38.9 dba Leq and will not exceed the City of La Palma or the City of Cerritos noise level standards at the sensitive receivers closest to the Project site. Therefore, the Project will create a less than significant direct Project noise level impact on the adjacent sensitive land uses. TABLE 8-1: OPERATIONAL NOISE LEVEL PROJECTIONS (DBA LEQ) Noise Source Noise Levels at Receiver Locations (dba Leq) 1 R1 R2 R3 R4 R5 Drive-Thru Speakerphone Parking Lot Activity Combined Noise Levels See Exhibit 8-A for the sensitive receiver and noise source locations and Appendix 8.1 for the stationary source noise analysis worksheets. 31

38 TABLE 8-2: OPERATIONAL NOISE LEVEL COMPLIANCE (DBA LEQ) Receiver Location 1 City 3 Noise Standards (dba Leq) Project Compliance 5 Adjacent Land Use 2 Operational Daytime Evening Nighttime Noise Levels 4 Daytime Evening Nighttime R1 Cerritos Low Density Residential Yes Yes Yes R2 Cerritos Low Density Residential Yes Yes Yes R3 Cerritos Low Density Residential Yes Yes Yes R4 Cerritos Low Density Residential Yes Yes Yes R5 La Palma Single-Family Residential Yes Yes Yes 1 See Exhibit 8-A for the noise receiver and noise source locations. 2 Sources: City of La Palma Land Use and Zoning Map, January 2012, and the City of Cerritos General Plan Land Use Map, July Sources: City of La Palma Municipal Code (Section , Table III-2), and the City of Cerritos Code of Ordinances (Section (1),(3)) as shown on Table 3-1 of this report. 4 Estimated Project stationary source noise levels as shown on Table Do the estimated Project stationary source noise levels meet the City of La Palma and City of Cerritos exterior noise level standards? "Daytime" = Between the hours of 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. "Evening" = Between the hours of 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. "Nighttime" = Between the hours of 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. 32

39 8.3.2 CUMULATIVE PROJECT OPERATIONAL NOISE IMPACTS To describe the daytime, evening, and nighttime cumulative operational noise impacts, the Project only noise levels, were compared to the existing ambient noise level measurements shown on Table 5-1. By combining the Project only (direct) noise level projections with the existing ambient noise level measurements, it is possible to identify the future noise levels represented by the combined Project and ambient noise levels. The combined noise levels can then be used to calculate the cumulative Project contribution to the ambient noise conditions. The expected daytime, evening, and nighttime cumulative Project operational noise impacts at the five receiver locations are presented on Tables 8-3 to 8-5. The difference between the combined Project and ambient noise levels and the existing ambient noise levels were then compared with the cumulative significance criteria. The analysis shows that the Project will not contribute an operational noise level impact at any of the sensitive receiver locations. Since the Project is not expected to contribute to the existing ambient noise environment, and the existing noise levels at the five receiver locations are below 60 dba Leq, between 60 to 65 dba Leq, and above 65 dba Leq, the Project operational noise levels are considered less than significant at all receiver locations. The analysis demonstrates that the operational noise level impacts associated with the proposed Project, such as the double drive-through speakerphones and parking lot activities, will be less than significant. TABLE 8-3: DAYTIME (7:00 A.M. TO 7:00 P.M.) OPERATIONAL NOISE LEVEL IMPACTS (DBA LEQ) Receiver Location 1 Total Project Operational Noise Level 2 Measurement Location 3 Reference Ambient Noise Levels 4 Combined Project and Ambient 5 Project Contribution 6 Potential Cumulative Significant Impact? 7 R L No R L No R L No R L No R L No 1 See Exhibit 8-A for the sensitive receiver and noise source locations. 2 Total Project operational noise levels as shown on Table Reference noise level measurement locations as shown on Exhibit 5-A. 4 Observed daytime ambient noise levels as shown on Table Represents the combined ambient conditions plus the Project activities. 6 The noise level increase expected with the addition of the proposed Project activities. 7 Cumulative Significant Impacts as defined in Section

40 TABLE 8-4: EVENING (7:00 P.M. TO 10:00 P.M.) OPERATIONAL NOISE LEVEL IMPACTS (DBA LEQ) Receiver Location 1 Total Project Operational Noise Level 2 Measurement Location 3 Reference Ambient Noise Levels 4 Combined Project and Ambient 5 Project Contribution 6 Potential Cumulative Significant Impact? 7 R L No R L No R L No R L No R L No 1 See Exhibit 8-A for the sensitive receiver and noise source locations. 2 Total Project operational noise levels as shown on Table Reference noise level measurement locations as shown on Exhibit 5-A. 4 Observed evening ambient noise levels as shown on Table Represents the combined ambient conditions plus the Project activities. 6 The noise level increase expected with the addition of the proposed Project activities. 7 Cumulative Significant Impacts as defined in Section 4.2. TABLE 8-5: NIGHTTIME (10:00 P.M. TO 7:00 A.M.) OPERATIONAL NOISE LEVEL IMPACTS (DBA LEQ) Receiver Location 1 Total Project Operational Noise Level 2 Measurement Location 3 Reference Ambient Noise Levels 4 Combined Project and Ambient 5 Project Contribution 6 Potential Cumulative Significant Impact? 7 R L No R L No R L No R L No R L No 1 See Exhibit 8-A for the sensitive receiver and noise source locations. 2 Total Project operational noise levels as shown on Table Reference noise level measurement locations as shown on Exhibit 5-A. 4 Observed nighttime ambient noise levels as shown on Table Represents the combined ambient conditions plus the Project activities. 6 The noise level increase expected with the addition of the proposed Project activities. 7 Cumulative Significant Impacts as defined in Section

41 9 REFERENCES 1. California Department of Transportation Environmental Program. Technical Noise Supplement - A Technical Supplement to the Traffic Noise Analysis Protocol. Sacramento, CA : s.n., September Environmental Protection Agency Office of Noise Abatement and Control. Information on Levels of Environmental Noise Requisite to Protect Public Health and Welfare with an Adequate Margin of Safety. March, EPA/ONAC 550/9/ U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration, Office of Environment and Planning, Noise and Air Quality Branch. Highway Traffic Noise Analysis and Abatement Policy and Guidance. June, U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration. Highway Traffic Noise in the United States, Problem and Response. April p Environmental Protection Agency Office of Noise Abatement and Control. Noise Effects Handbook-A Desk Reference to Health and Welfare Effects of Noise. October 1979 (revised July 1981). EPA 550/9/82/ Office of Planning and Research. State of California General Plan Guidlines October City of La Palma. General Plan, Chapter 3 - Community Safety, Noise Element. June Code of Ordinances, Chapter 44, Article III, Division 1, Section Noise. 9. City of Cerritos. Municipal Code, Title 22, Chapter 80, Section Noise. 10. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Federal Activities. Consideration of Cumultive Impacts. May EPA 315-R Federal Interagency Committee on Noise. Federal Agency Review of Selected Airport Noise Analysis Issues. August American National Standards Institute (ANSI). Specification for Sound Level Meters ANSI S (R2006)/ANSI S1.4a-1985 (R2006). 13. City of La Palma. Land Use and Zoning Map. January

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43 10 CERTIFICATION The contents of this noise study report represent an accurate depiction of the noise environment and impacts associated with the proposed McDonald's Project. The information contained in this noise study report is based on the best available data at the time of preparation. If you have any questions, please contact me directly at (949) ext Bill Lawson, P.E., INCE Principal URBAN CROSSROADS, INC. 41 Corporate Park, Suite 300 Irvine, CA (949) x203 No. TR 2537 Exp EDUCATION Master of Science in Civil and Environmental Engineering California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo December, 1993 Bachelor of Science in City and Regional Planning California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo June, 1992 PROFESSIONAL REGISTRATIONS PE Registered Professional Traffic Engineer TR 2537 January, 2009 AICP American Institute of Certified Planners June, 1997 January 1, 2012 PTP Professional Transportation Planner May, 2007 May, 2013 INCE Institute of Noise Control Engineering March, 2004 PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS ASA Acoustical Society of America ITE Institute of Transportation Engineers PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATIONS Certified Acoustical Consultant County of Orange February, 2011 FHWA-NHI Highway Traffic Noise Certificate of Training February,

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45 APPENDIX 3.1: CITY OF LA PALMA NOISE ELEMENT 39

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47 La Palma General Plan Noise Element Noise generally is defined as unwanted or objectionable sound. Too much noise can negatively impact fundamental aspects of daily life, from our thoughts and conversations to restful sleeping. Because extreme exposure to noise can be damaging to health or even distracting enough to cause accidents, it is also a public safety issue. Of particular concern is the impact of noise on sensitive uses: residences, hospitals, schools, day care centers, and similar uses. Noise can be generated by sources in a known location, such as freeway and highway traffic noise, railroads, or aircraft overflights. These are considered noise sources with long-term, relatively permanent impacts. Noise is also generated from variable locations, such as yard equipment or power tools, loud music, construction activities, or even excessively noisy parties. The more predictable sources can be addressed in part by separating sensitive uses from noise sources. This can be effective because noise decreases as a function of distance from the source. In some cases, such as along busy freeways, sound barriers are necessary. The City of La Palma is fortunate in that relatively few fixed sources of noise exist in the community and generally, there is excellent separation of sensitive uses from them. The SR-91 freeway separates the City s primary commercial hub from residential neighborhoods. Although the freeway itself is a source of noise, its elevated profile through the City and buffering by commercial uses from most residences mitigate its impacts. Arterial highways generate noise as well, but the estimated increase in traffic from infill development will have negligible increase in noise from that source. Consequently, the long-term noise environment is not expected to change enough to be noticeable. Even the Town Center area is buffered from single-family neighborhoods by Central Park and multi-family and assisted living uses. Neighborhood commercial uses are generally located at corner properties, limiting noise impacts on at least two sides of the property. Noise Metrics Sound intensity is measured and expressed by decibels (db), with an adjustment referred to as the A-weighted measure to correct for the relative frequency response of the human ear. Of all the various scales available for measuring noise, the A-weighted sound pressure level (dba) is the scale of measurement that is most useful in community noise measurement. The A-scale approximates the frequency response of the average ear when listening to most ordinary everyday sounds. Decibels are measured on a logarithmic scale and the system of measuring sound gives a rough connection between the physical intensity of sound and its perceived loudness to the human ear. For example, a 10-decibel increase in sound level is perceived by the human ear as only doubling of the loudness of the sound. Ambient sounds in the urban Community Safety Element

48 La Palma General Plan environment generally range from 30 dba (very quiet) to 100 dba (very loud). A key factor in whether sound is interpreted by the listener as noise is the time of day or night during which the sound is heard. Generally speaking, all other things being equal, sound is more noisy at night than during the daytime. A given level of noise may be more or less tolerable depending on the duration of exposure experienced by an individual. There are numerous measures of noise exposure that consider not only the A-level variation of noise but also the duration of the disturbance. The CNEL measure weights the average noise levels for the evening hours (7:00 P.M. to 10:00 P.M.) by increasing them 5dB, and weights the average noise levels for the nighttime hours (10:00 P.M. to 7:00 A.M.) by increasing them 10 db. The daytime noise levels are combined with these weighted levels are averaged to obtain a CNEL value. Noise Standards The State of California s noise insulation standards are codified in the California Code of Regulations, Title 24, Building Standards Administrative Code, Part 2, California Building Code. These noise standards are applied to new construction for the purpose of providing suitable interior noise environments. The regulations specify that acoustical studies must be prepared when noise-sensitive structures, such as residential buildings, schools, or hospitals, are located near major transportation noise sources, and where such noise sources create an exterior noise level of 60 dba CNEL or higher. Acoustical studies that accompany building plans must demonstrate that structures have been designed to limit interior noise in habitable rooms to acceptable noise levels. For new residential buildings, schools, and hospitals, the acceptable interior noise limit for new construction is 45 dba CNEL. City of La Palma Municipal Code Leaf blowers certainly make landscape maintenance easy, but they are a common source of community noise complaints. The Municipal Code provides, among other things, a basis for controlling excessive and annoying noise. Limitations are placed on exterior noise levels throughout the City. In general, maximum noise levels in the City should not exceed 65 dba (unless otherwise permitted through development review) and short-term, temporary noises that may exceed this level, such as those noises associated with garbage removal, construction, and maintenance, are restricted to daytime hours. The Municipal Code also places limitations on leaf blowers, with regard to both applicable hours and noise levels. Noise/Land Use Compatibility The California Department of Health Services, Office of Noise control studied the correlation of noise levels and their effects on various land uses. As a result, the DHS established four categories for judging the severity of noise intrusion on specified land uses. DHS standards suggest 3 12 Community Safety Element 42

49 La Palma General Plan normally acceptable, conditionally acceptable, normally unacceptable, and clearly unacceptable exterior noise levels for various land uses. A conditionally acceptably designation implies new construction or development should be undertaken only after a detailed analysis of the noise reduction requirements for each land use is made and needed noise insulation features are incorporated in the design. By comparison, a normally acceptable designation indicates that standard construction can occur with no special noise reduction requirements. Most cities and counties in California have adopted noise/land use compatibility criteria that reflect DHS standards and are based on the general assumption that higher noise levels are acceptable in business districts and industrial areas. However, the introduction of mixed-use development principles into traditionally suburban environments has started to shift thinking with regard to acceptable noise levels. For example, garbage collection early in the morning and the noise from heating, ventilation, and air conditioning equipment can occur with greater frequency and intensity in a mixed-use setting. These and other factors will be important considerations as the City considers future mixed-use developments. People who choose to live in mixed-use areas know that the activity levels bring with them a noise environment distinctly different than that of traditional residential-only neighborhoods. Importantly, our existing residential neighborhoods must be protected from new noise intrusions, so care will especially need to be taken around property boundaries abutting noise-sensitive uses. Careful review of site design and operational characteristics of individual commercial uses will allow the City to address any site-specific noise concerns through design and operational conditions applied to individual projects. Figure 3-3 identifies criteria La Palma will use to make land use decisions relative to noise. Community Safety Element

50 La Palma General Plan Land Use Category Community Noise Equivalent Level (CNEL), db Single Family Multiple Family, Village Multiple Family Mixed Use - Business Neighborhood Commercial Industrial Public/Institutional Open Space/Recreation, Flood Control/Utility NORMALLY ACCEPTABLE CONDITIONALLY ACCEPTABLE NORMALLY UNACCEPTABLE CLEARLY UNACCEPTABLE Specified land use is satisfactory, assuming buildings are of conventional construction, without any special noise insulation requirements. New development should be undertaken only after analysis of noise reduction requirements is made and needed insulation features are incorporated into design. New construction or development generally is discouraged. If new construction or development does proceed, a detailed analysis of noise reduction requirements must be made and incorporated into project design. New construction or development is discouraged. Figure 3 3 Noise/Land Use Compatibility Guidelines 3 14 Community Safety Element 44

51 La Palma G e n e r a l P l a n Baseline and Future Noise Environments The most significant noise-producing activity within La Palma is transportation. This noise source consists primarily of traffic on city streets and traffic on the Artesia Freeway (SR-91). Activities at commercial properties, industrial properties, and construction sites (as well as landscaping activities in neighborhoods), also contribute to the noise environment in La Palma. Industrial activities are concentrated in the northeastern area of the City and are separated from the nearest noise-sensitive residential areas by either the SR-91 freeway or Coyote Creek. Traffic on the City s arterials results in CNELs that range from about 67 db to about 75 db at the adjacent properties. Residential neighborhoods that are buffered from traffic noise by five- to six-foot-high block walls have exterior CNELs that are reduced by approximately 5 db. In 2012, the City approved increasing the height of block walls on arterials by two feet to eight feet. This action allows those seeking additional buffer to receive that benefit. Higher noise levels occur at properties adjacent to SR-91. Traffic on the freeway generates CNELs of up to 77dB at the adjacent properties. Properties that are buffered from the traffic noise by freeway sound walls have exterior CNELs up to 72 db. The primary source of noise in La Palma is traffic on our arterial highways. In compliance with California Government Code Section 65302(f), CNEL contours were developed for baseline (2013) and future (2030) noise environments in La Palma. As illustrated in Figures 3-4 and 3-5, noise measurements and analyses of future traffic conditions indicate that the noise environment in the future is not forecast to be significantly different from conditions in Slight noise increases are expected in areas in the northern portion of the City, associated with regional traffic increases and traffic increases associated with new development. The City s intent with regard to regulating noise is to minimize adverse noise impacts on residents and visitors, and to preserve a quality noise environment for City residents at all hours of the day. As part of the process to assess citywide ambient noise conditions in 2013, noise readings were taken in front yards of multi family and single family properties. C o m m u n i t y S a f e t y E l e m e n t

52 Shoemaker Ave. La Palma General Plan City of Cerritos Moody St. Los Angeles County Moody St. Orange County 183rd St. 183rd St. Denni St. Shoemaker Ave. Orangethorpe Ave. Orangethorpe Ave. La Palma Ave. Walker St. La Palma Ave. Los Angeles County Orange County City of Buena Park City of Buena Park Los Angeles County Orange County Walker St. Valley View St. Crescent Ave. City of Cypress Moody St. Walker St. Crescent Ave. Los Altos Dr. Valley View St. Legend Less than 60 db CNEL db CNEL db CNEL db CNEL More than 75 db CNEL La Palma City Boundary Date Map Prepared:October 23, 2013 Prepared by: MIG Hogle-Ireland Source: Wieland Acoustics, 2013 LA/Orange County Boundary Feet Drainage Channels ,000 2,000 Figure 3 4: Community Noise Equivalent (CNEL) Baseline (2013) Noise Contours 3 16 Community Safety Element 46

53 Shoemaker Ave. La Palma General Plan City of Cerritos Moody St. Los Angeles County Moody St. Orange County 183rd St. 183rd St. Denni St. Shoemaker Ave. Orangethorpe Ave. Orangethorpe Ave. La Palma Ave. Walker St. Walker St. La Palma Ave. Los Angeles County Orange County City of Buena Park City of Buena Park Los Angeles County Orange County Valley View St. Crescent Ave. City of Cypress Moody St. Walker St. Crescent Ave. Los Altos Dr. Valley View St. Legend Less than 60 db CNEL db CNEL db CNEL db CNEL More than 75 db CNEL La Palma City Boundary LA/Orange County Boundary Date Map Prepared:October 23, 2013 Prepared by: MIG Hogle-Ireland Source: Wieland Acoustics, 2013 Drainage Channels ,000 2,000 Figure 3 5: Community Noise Equivalent (CNEL) Noise Contours for the Future (2030) Environment Feet Community Safety Element

54 La Palma General Plan Goals and Policies Fire Protection and Emergency Response GOAL S 1: Maintain fire protection and emergency response services that offer the maximum possible protection from loss of life and property. Discussion: We contract with the Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) for fire protection services. The Authority maintains a fire station in La Palma, as well as others in adjacent cities that can serve our City, and provides a high level of fire protection services. Policy S 1.1 Negotiate contracts at a level that supports a high level of service and quick response times. Discussion: We understand that maintaining excellent services from the Authority is critical to protecting the health and welfare of our residents. Through our contracts with the Authority, we will structure agreements to achieve the service levels desired. Policy S 1.2 Maintain adequate water pressure and water storage capabilities throughout the City to meet required fireflow pressures. Discussion: The City has been able to provide adequate water system pressures and supplies to meet the needs of the Authority. We will continue to conduct preventative maintenance of water lines, hydrants, and the reservoir to ensure that these resources operate at peak efficiency in the event of an emergency. Policy S 1.3 Support OCFA s efforts to provide fire prevention and fire safety education to residents and business owners as a means to reduce the potential for damaging fires. Discussion: Prevention is always the best strategy for reducing potential loss of property and life resulting from fires and fire-related emergencies. We are committed to working with the Orange County Fire Authority to educate community members about fire safety at home, in schools, and in the workplace Community Safety Element 48

55 La Palma General Plan Law Enforcement Services GOAL S 2: Provide a high level of preventative and responsive law enforcement services. Discussion: We live in a safe community with a relatively low crime rate. We enjoy this safety and recognize the value it brings to La Palma. Therefore, one of our primary goals is to maintain community safety at the high level the community expects. Policy S 2.1 Provide for law enforcement services at levels the community expects. Discussion: Policy S 2.2 Discussion: Through our budgeting process, we will continually assess the best means of providing the highest level of law enforcement and crime prevention services. Practice proactive crime prevention. As with other emergency services, prevention programs and activities can reduce calls for service. Our active Neighborhood Watch program engages many community members in crime prevention efforts. We are committed to sponsoring education programs that make residents and business owners aware of how they can work cooperatively with law enforcement personnel to reduce incidents of crime and create safer neighborhoods and business districts. Policy S 2.3 Support cooperative programs between law enforcement and local organizations, including local school districts. Discussion: Our community has a strong bond with local law enforcement, which can be seen through a number of cooperative programs with local organizations and agencies. These programs make our community a safer place to live and work and help to create a positive relationship between our law enforcement personnel and the community. Community Safety Element

56 La Palma General Plan Flooding Hazards GOAL S 3: Minimize the exposure of people and properties to flood hazards. Discussion: The City is located in the inundation zones of several regional dams. Therefore, it is important that we coordinate with responsible parties to ensure the continued safety and operational quality of these facilities, and that we keep our emergency response plans and activities up to date. It is also important that we maintain local drainage systems to ensure they operate effectively and protect our community from unusual storm flow events. Policy S 3.1 Ensure that City emergency notification procedures and evacuation plans address the responses needed in the event of dam failure. Discussion: Regional dams have been improved to comply with seismic safety requirements, thus reducing the risks of inundation due to dam failure. We support the monitoring and maintenance of these facilities by the Army Corps of Engineers and other agencies to provide continued protection for the City from flood events. Policy S 3.2 Monitor the activities of Orange County and Los Angeles County flood control agencies regarding facilities that serve and impact La Palma. Discussion: The efficient operation and maintenance of regional flood control channels such as the Coyote Creek and Moody Creek Channels protects La Palma from regional flood hazards. Our vigilance regarding any planned improvements/modifications to these and other regional facilities will help us plan any needed response. Policy S 3.3 Continue to maintain the efficient operation of local drainage facilities. Discussion: At the local level, our existing drainage system is adequate to meet our needs. We will budget to keep the facilities in good condition, and we will require that any new development appropriately mitigate any new demands on the system Community Safety Element 50

57 La Palma General Plan Geologic/Seismic Hazards GOAL S 4: Safeguard the community against primary and secondary seismic and geologic hazards. Discussion: The City is located in a seismically active region. We seek to protect people and properties from the effects of earthquakes and other geologic hazards, and to reduce loss of life, injuries, and property damage. Prevention strategies include requiring retrofit of existing buildings to bring them in line with current seismic safety standards and ensuring new building foundations are safeguarded against liquefaction hazards. In addition, we support education programs designed to increase earthquake preparedness. Policy S 4.1 Require all new development to comply with the most recent State of California seismic building laws and the Seismic Hazards Mapping Act, and where appropriate, require mitigation of potentially adverse impacts of geologic and seismic hazards. Discussion: Complying with State building and seismic safety code standards is the best means of ensuring that new structures achieve appropriate safety standards. Our community is located in a Liquefaction Hazard Zone and therefore must also comply with the requirements of the Seismic Hazards Mapping Act, which requires that a certified geologist conduct liquefaction investigations prior to approval for most new development projects. Where necessary, mitigation will be required to minimize the risks of site-specific conditions associated with high groundwater levels and sandy soils. Policy S 4.2 Support earthquake preparedness education programs. Discussion: In La Palma, we endorse programs that provide families, schools, businesses, government and emergency service with earthquake education and preparedness planning. Community Safety Element

58 La Palma General Plan Hazardous Waste GOAL S 5: Provide for the safe use, storage, and transportation of hazardous materials within the City. Discussion: We realize that hazardous waste is a necessary by-product of certain industrial activities and day-to-day living in the urban environment. However, with the implementation of appropriate precautions, hazardous waste should not pose a significant threat to workers or residents. Federal and state laws provide good safeguards, and our efforts with the Orange County Fire Authority help monitor local conditions. Policy S 5.1 Work with appropriate authorities to ensure the safe handling of hazardous materials, including the monitoring of facilities that use, store, or handle hazardous materials. Discussion: We want to ensure that hazardous materials are stored and handled in a safe manner and that appropriate precautions are taken to reduce the risk of a spill or other accidental release. The most effective means of doing this is to ensure that applicable local, state, and federal programs governing the use of hazardous materials and waste are implemented in La Palma. We will continue our coordination with the Orange County Fire Authority and the Certified Unified Program Agency for County of Orange for both education and enforcement. Policy S 5.2 Support state and regional efforts to control nonpoint sources of water pollution. Discussion: We recognize that controlling nonpoint sources of water pollution is an important means of reducing the discharge of hazardous and potentially hazardous wastes. Therefore, we support the efforts of state and regional agencies, such as the Regional Water Quality Control Board, to identify and mitigate sources of nonpoint pollution. We also support education programs designed to alert residents and businesses of their roles and responsibilities in reducing this kind of pollution. In addition, we recognize that City government, as the principal land use planning authority, can be an important manager of water resources. We will support responsible water quality planning and the integration of best management practices into the design of new development projects Community Safety Element 52

59 La Palma General Plan Emergency Preparedness GOAL S 6: Minimize the loss of life, injury, and property damage resulting from natural and human caused disasters. Discussion: A natural or human-caused upset event such as an earthquake, terrorist attack, or hazardous materials accident most often occurs without warning. We must be prepared for all types of emergency situations and be capable of mobilizing all the resources at our disposal to protect life and property within the City. Policy S 6.1 Prepare for the effective mobilization of City resources both public and private in the event of any disaster event. Discussion: The City has prepared a Multi-Hazard Emergency Plan outlining the mobilization of City resources in the event of a disaster at any scale. Keeping this plan up-to-date is considered the most effective means of preparing for an emergency. We also support emergency training of public personnel, as well as public awareness and education efforts for our residents. These measures are included as Preparedness Elements in the Multi-Hazard Emergency Plan. Policy S 6.2 Engage in regional emergency response planning. Discussion: Disasters such as earthquakes often affect a wide area, involving many agencies across jurisdictional boundaries. In such a situation, a cooperative effort involving numerous jurisdictions and resource agencies is the most effective means of dealing with the emergency. We are committed to planning and preparing for multijurisdictional emergency responses. Our City has assisted in the countywide emergency planning effort by permitting an emergency communications tower to be built in our industrial area. We are open to consideration of other means of participating in this important function. Community Safety Element

60 La Palma General Plan Noise GOAL N 1: Ensure that the noise environments in La Palma do not impinge upon the high quality of our neighborhoods and business districts. Discussion: Our City is small and quiet. Even local industry is not a major source of noise, given its location some distance from our neighborhoods. Only a small section of freeway runs through town, and freeway noise largely impacts commercial and industrial uses. Despite regional and local growth, our major streets are not going to get much noisier than they already are. We can ensure that new construction complies with insulation standards that reduce outside noise. Our main challenge is to ensure that temporary, short-term noise sources do not get out of hand and that new development and especially mixed-use development is planned with nearby noise-sensitive uses in mind. Policy N 1.1 Enforce state noise insulation standards for proposed projects in high noise environments. Discussion: In looking at the expected future noise conditions along the arterial highways serving our City, overall noise levels generated from traffic are not going to be noticeably different from what they today. Regardless, we want to be sure that the noise levels inside structures comply with established state standards. The state has established noise insulation standards for proposed projects in high noise environments. They are contained in Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations and are designed to ensure an adequate interior noise environment for residential uses, such as homes, apartments, and hotels. If a developer combines compliance with these insulation standards with other measures to reduce interior noise levels, there should be no difficulty in achieving the noise conditions we desire for our citizens. Policy N 1.2 Enforce the City s noise ordinance for those noise sources that are not pre-empted by other agencies. Discussion: Cities do not have any control over highway and freeway generated noise. The same is true for aircraft and railway noise. What we can influence is the kind of noise we create ourselves, including noisy equipment, loud music, construction activity even loud talking or party activities. These things don t occur everywhere, or all the time, but when they do happen, they can be annoying and irritating. Loud noises, particularly unexpected ones, can even cause accidents, not to mention possible hearing damage. The way we choose to make sure that this type of noise doesn t become bothersome is to establish and enforce a fair but firm noise ordinance. Noise standards in the Municipal Code specify noise measurement criteria, 3 24 Community Safety Element 54

61 La Palma General Plan interior and exterior noise standards, time restrictions for certain noise sources, and procedures for enforcement. This is our main tool for keeping the living and working environment in La Palma the way we want it. Policy N 1.3 Design new development projects so that potential noise impacts are minimized. Discussion: There are many approaches to designing a project so that potential noise impacts on nearby noise-sensitive uses are kept as low as possible. We expect new development to take noise considerations into account. Methods for accomplishing this can include ample building setbacks, building orientation, window placement, wall and fence treatment, location of activity areas, access design, and similar design features. These strategies do not necessarily reduce the need for other ways of reducing noise impacts, but they can be extremely effective, especially for larger projects. This is all part of what it means to be a quality development in our community. Policy N 1.4 Require that mixed-use structures be designed to account for noise from adjacent uses within the mixed-use development. Discussion: The City will allow for mixed-use developments in the Mixed Use-Business area along the SR-91 freeway. Mixed-use developments help create an exciting and walkable environment, but can create noise incompatibilities within a development if not properly designed. Care should be taken at the design stage to minimize noise intrusion for residential uses, while recognizing that residents in mixed-use environments understand and accept the vibrancy of their districts. Policy N 1.5 Provide for vigorous and consistent enforcement of state Motor Vehicle Code noise standards for cars, trucks, and motorcycles. Discussion: Transportation is the dominant noise source in La Palma. However, the City has limited ability to reduce vehiclegenerated noise. Through the efforts of our law enforcement personnel, the City can enforce state noise limits for vehicles by citing noise offenders whose engines, exhaust, or music systems create noise beyond defined limits. Community Safety Element

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63 APPENDIX 3.2: CITY OF LA PALMA CODE OF ORDINANCES NOISE STANDARDS 57

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65 - CODE OF ORDINANCES Chapter 44 - ZONING ARTICLE III. - STANDARDS APPLICABLE IN ALL ZONING DISTRICTS DIVISION 1. GENERALLY Sec Noise. (a) Excessive noise prohibited. A person shall not willfully make or continue, or willfully cause to be made or continued, any loud, unnecessary, or unusual noise that disturbs the peace or quiet of any neighborhood or zoning district or constitutes a public nuisance. (b) Exterior noise standards. Property owners/business operators/tenants shall be responsible for the attenuation/mitigation of noise. The following noise levels are the maximums permitted in the City, unless otherwise stated in a precise plan or conditional use permit. TABLE III-2. EXTERIOR NOISE STANDARDS TIME PERIOD MAXIMUM NOISE LEVEL* 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. 65 dba 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. 50 dba 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. 45 dba *As measured at the property line of the noise source. (c) Noise measurement. Noise measurements shall be made with a sound level meter using the "A" weighted network (scale). Calibration of the measurement equipment, utilizing an acoustic calibrator, shall be performed immediately prior to recording any noise data. (d) General regulations to control noise. (1) Loading and unloading. Loading, unloading, opening, closing, or other handling of boxes, crates, containers, building materials, garbage cans, or similar objects shall not occur between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. in a manner that would cause a noise disturbance to a residential zoning district. (2) Vehicle repairs and testing. Repairs, rebuilding, modifying, or testing of motor vehicles, motorcycles, motorboats, or other motorized vehicles shall not occur between the hours of 7:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. in a manner that would cause a noise disturbance to a residential zoning district. (3) Maintenance activities. Maintenance activities in landscape and parking areas (i.e., mechanical sweeping, mechanical grass cutting, mechanical blowing) shall not occur between the hours of 8:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. in a manner that would cause a noise disturbance to a residential zoning district. (4) Construction activities. Construction activities shall include noise generated at the site during site preparation and construction, which includes utilizing various types of machinery and equipment. Construction activity also includes the transport of workers and export of debris and La Palma, California, Code of Ordinances Page 1 59

66 - CODE OF ORDINANCES Chapter 44 - ZONING ARTICLE III. - STANDARDS APPLICABLE IN ALL ZONING DISTRICTS DIVISION 1. GENERALLY import of construction materials from the site. Construction activity shall be limited to the following: TABLE III-3. RESTRICTED HOURS FOR CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES Day Time Monday-Friday Saturday Sunday and Holidays 7:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. No construction permitted Modication of construction hours may be granted for temporary uses per section (7). Note Section (g) provides for modification of hours for temporary uses. (e) Exceptions. Short-term or temporary intermittent bursts of noise may exceed maximum noise levels for approved construction projects, emergency vehicles and equipment, and other short-term incidents with City approval. Such short-term or temporary intermittent noises shall not exceed 30 seconds of constant sound above the established levels nor occur more frequently than one incident of noise level excession every five minutes over a period of not more than three hours. (f) Residential design requirements. New residential development shall be consistent with Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations in order to ensure an adequate interior noise environment for residential uses. (Ord. No , 3(exh. A)) La Palma, California, Code of Ordinances Page 2 60

67 APPENDIX 3.3: CITY OF CERRITOS MUNICIPAL CODE NOISE STANDARDS 61

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69 10/6/2014 Cerritos Municipal Code under the supervision of the county flood control district and/or the county sanitation district. Any discharge into a public sewer, private sewer, private sewerage disposal system or into the ground of any materials that may contaminate any water supply, interfere with bacterial processes in sewerage treatment, or otherwise cause the emission of dangerous or offensive elements shall be prohibited. All industrial uses in the city shall follow the regulations and provisions of the county sanitation district pertaining to sewer construction and sewer use. Liquid wastes shall be disposed of only by authorized discharge to a public sewer system or by transport to an acceptable disposal facility. Burning, dumping, or littering of solid wastes is prohibited. Solid wastes shall be disposed of only by transport to an acceptable disposal facility, except that inert solid materials may be utilized in landfills and construction when specifically authorized by a grading permit or building permit, and organic materials may be utilized in connection with normal and customary landscaping and agricultural activities providing that such activities meet all the requirements of the Cerritos Municipal Code and these environmental performance standards; and do not endanger groundwater quality. (Ord (part), 1972) Heat. No heat shall be generated or transmitted that causes an increase above the ambient temperature in excess of five degrees Fahrenheit at or directly beyond the lot lines of the site from which the heat source is located. (Ord (part), 1972) Glare. Direct or reflected glare or other objectionable illumination including, but not limited to, excessive illumination from floodlights and signs or the glare from high temperature processes such as combustion or welding, or otherwise, or any other type of glare, so as to be visible at the points of measurement specified in Section shall not be permitted. No operation, activity, or use, except those governmental operations activities or uses essential to public safety, shall produce glare so as to cause illumination in any residential district in excess of one footcandle above the ambient night illumination. (Ord (part), 1972) Vibration. No vibration (other than from transportation facilities or temporary construction work) shall be permitted which is discernible without instruments at the points of measurement specified in Section (Ord (part), 1972) Noise. In all districts in the city, the following noise standards, unless otherwise specifically indicated, shall apply: (1) Maximum sound level. No noise shall be generated which causes the maximum sound level ( noise level) at any point on property lines surrounding the premises on which noise is produced to exceed the background (ambient noise) including traffic noise by five dba measured at the same point, or the following limits, whichever is greater: Zone or Development Area Maximum Sound Levels db(a) Residential or agricultural /15

70 10/6/2014 Cerritos Municipal Code Commercial 60 Industrial 70 Provided further that the sound level at the boundary line between land use areas shall not exceed the average of the maximum permitted sound level for each such area noted above. (2) Negative corrections. The sound level limits must be adjusted by addition of the following corrections: Type of Noise Correction, (Decibels) Steady noise without impulse or prominent pure tones (such as 0 rain noise) Steady impulsive noise (such as hammering or riveting) -5 Steady audible tone components (such as whine, screech, hum) -5 (3) Positive corrections. One of the following corrections may be applied to the limits and corrections noted above only between the hours of seven a.m. and seven p.m., except for uses in or adjacent to residential areas. Frequency of Occurrence Noise occurring not more than fifteen minutes per hour Noise occurring not more than five minutes per hour Noise occurring not more than one minute per hour Correction, (Decibels) (4) Measurement: (a) Sound level (noise level) shall be measured with a sound level meter satisfying the specifications of the American National Standard Specifications (S , as amended), which has had its acoustic calibration checked within the previous seven days, (b) Measurements shall be made on the nearest property line which faces the noise source, or at any point on an adjacent property where the noise is greater, (c) Measurements shall be made on the A weighted scale, with fast response, following the manufacturer s instructions, (d) Measurement must be made out of doors with the microphone at a height of not less than four feet above the ground, (e) Care shall be taken to avoid readings which are influenced by such extraneous sources as wind, electrical interference, or unusual background (ambient) noise, (f) Noise level shall be determined by taking an average of at least three maximum deflections of the pointer /15

71 10/6/2014 Cerritos Municipal Code (5) Exemptions. The provisions for noise limits shall not be applied to occasional use of equipment for maintenance of any lot or buildings or for building construction, for which a valid building permit has been issued, between the hour of seven a.m. and seven p.m. or for any public works activities or civic event which are authorized by the city. (6) Sound transmission through partitions and floors of multi-residential structures or townhouses. Notwithstanding the requirements of the building code, every partition, floor, or floor ceiling combination construction since the effective date of this section that forms a separation between dwelling units, efficient dwelling units, light housekeeping rooms or guest rooms, but not including guest rooms within one family dwelling or between a residential unit and a garage or carport, public corridor, stairway, accessory room, or nonresidential use, shall be constructed with materials in a construction system which has been tested and has achieved a sound transmission loss classification of not less than sound transmission class fifty-two. Where ceilings are not applied directly to the bottom of the floor framing, separation partitions shall extend through the ceiling to the floor above: (a) Penetrations of separation partitions shall be limited to the following: (i) Doors to public corridors provided they are of solid construction, close tightly against the door stops and extend down to close contact with the threshold (ii) Electrical outlet boxes provided they are horizontally separated by not less than twenty-four inches from outlets in the opposite wall surface (iii) Plumbing piping provided such penetrations are separated from any living or sleeping room by permanent partitions having all openings provided with solid, tight fitting, closable doors (iv) Ventilation ducts in the separation between the corridor and residential units provided there is not less than twenty-five feet of ductwork separating the grille or register locations of residential units from other units, (b) Floor-ceiling systems separating residential units from corridors or public rooms shall be constructed with materials in a construction system which has been tested and has been shown to have an impact insulation index of no less than fifty-one, (c) All conduit, ducts, pipes and vents within required partitions, floors or floor-ceiling separations shall be isolated from the building construction at points of support by means of resilient sleeves, mounts or underlayments, and all other openings through which such conduit, ducts, pipes or vents pass shall have the excess opening fully sealed with insulative or resilient materials which are approved for this use, (d) Unsealed joints in the perimeter of any separation partition or in the perimeter of any opening permitted in the partition shall be caulked with a nonhardening, resilient caulking material approved for this purpose, (e) The sound transmission class shall be determined in accordance with American Society for Testing and Materials, E T A.S.T.M., Tentative Recommended Practice for Measurement of Airborne Sound Insulation in Buildings. The impact insulation classification shall be determined in accordance with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development publication A Guide to Airborne, Impact, and Structure Borne Noise Control in Multi-Family Dwellings /15

72 10/6/2014 Cerritos Municipal Code (7) Sound transmission through walls of abutting single-family residential buildings. Notwithstanding the requirements of the building code abutting exterior walls of a residential building that is modified or erected after the effective date of the ordinance codified herein shall be constructed without openings between such walls and of materials in a construction system which has been tested and has achieved a sound transmission loss classification of not less than sound transmission class fifty-two as described in Section (5) (e); (8) Sound transmission through exterior walls of residential buildings. Notwithstanding the requirements of the building code, exterior walls of a residential building in the following areas that are modified or erected after the effective date of the ordinance codified herein shall be constructed to the following standards or the standards of Article 7 of the Development Standards, Freeway Buffering, whichever is the more restrictive: (a) Within five hundred feet of a freeway the sound transmission class shall be fifty-six as described in Section (5) (e), (b) Within one hundred fifty feet of an arterial street the sound transmission class shall be fifty-six as described in Section (5) (e). (Ord (part), 1972) Energy conservation in residential dwelling units Thermal design standards. The purpose of this section is to establish minimum energy insulation standards that will lead to the reduction of energy consumption in residential dwelling units. It is further intended to provide standards, regulations and requirements in order to comply with the requirements of the California Administrative Code, Title 24, Part 6, Division T20, Chapter 2, Subchapter 5, Article 1, Section T entitled Energy Insulation Standards, adopted by the Commission of Housing and Community Development on February 22, (1) Application and Scope. This section shall apply to all precise plan applications made subsequent to the effective date of the ordinance codified in this section. All new hotels, motels, apartment houses, lodginghouses, dwellings and other residential buildings and additions to thereof, which are heated and/or cooled, shall be constructed to comply with the requirements of this section. (2) Alternative Material, Method of Construction, Design or Insulating Systems. The provisions of this section are not intended to prevent the use of any material, method of construction, design or insulating system, provided, that any such alternative meets or exceeds the standards prescribed herein. The precise plan applicant shall submit detailed information concerning the thermal performance of the materials, methods of construction, design or insulating systems he intends to utilize to the department of community development and the department of public works for their approval. Such information shall include the manufacturer s name and address, standard specifications and evidence that stated specifications were arrived at by standard American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air- Conditioning Engineers (A.S.H.R.A.E.) methods. The director of community development and the director of public works may approve any such alternative methods of construction, design or insulation system including designs utilizing nondepleting energy systems such as solar, wind or other nondepletable sources, provided that the proposed design and/or alternative complies with or exceeds the provisions of this section or provides design solutions which can be shown to save equivalent heat gain or heat loss amounts of energy savings and is consistent with the goals and objectives of the general plan and /15

73 APPENDIX 5.1: STUDY AREA PHOTOS 67

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75 JN:09438 McDonald's La Palma L1-2 33, 51' ", 118, 2' " L1-2_E 33, 51' ", 118, 2' " L1-2_N 33, 51' ", 118, 2' " L1-2_S 33, 51' ", 118, 2' " L1-2_SE 33, 51' ", 118, 2' " L1-2_SW 33, 51' ", 118, 2' " 69

76 JN:09438 McDonald's La Palma L1-2_SW_Speaker 33, 51' ", 118, 2' " L1-2_W 33, 51' ", 118, 2' " L3 33, 51' ", 118, 2' " L3_N 33, 51' ", 118, 2' " L3_NE 33, 51' ", 118, 2' " L3_NW 33, 51' ", 118, 2' " 70

77 JN:09438 McDonald's La Palma L3_S 33, 51' ", 118, 2' " L3_W 33, 51' ", 118, 2' " L4 33, 51' ", 118, 2' " L4_E 33, 51' ", 118, 2' " L4_N 33, 51' ", 118, 2' " L4_NE 33, 51' ", 118, 2' " 71

78 JN:09438 McDonald's La Palma L4_NW 33, 51' ", 118, 2' " L4_S 33, 51' ", 118, 2' " L4_SW 33, 51' ", 118, 2' " L4_W 33, 51' ", 118, 2' " L5 33, 51' ", 118, 2' " L5_E 33, 51' ", 118, 2' " 72

79 JN:09438 McDonald's La Palma L5_NE 33, 51' ", 118, 2' " L5_NW 33, 51' ", 118, 2' " L5_S_Speaker 33, 51' ", 118, 2' " L5_SE 33, 51' ", 118, 2' " L5_W 33, 51' ", 118, 2' " 73

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81 APPENDIX 5.2: NOISE LEVEL MEASUREMENT WORKSHEETS 75

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83 24-Hour Noise Level Measurement Summary Project Name: McDonald's La Palma Job Number: 9438 Location: L1 - Located within the Project site boundary, northeast of the existing drive-thru speakerphone and Analyst: A. Wolfe McDonald's building. Date: 10/1/2014 Hourly Leq dba Readings (unadjusted) Hourly Leq (dba) Hour Beginning Time Period Energy Average (Leq) Average (Leq) Minimum (Leq) Maximum (Leq) CNEL Daytime Hourly (7:00am-7:00pm): Evening Hourly (7:00pm-10:00pm): Nighttime Hourly (10:00pm-7:00am): Hour: Hourly Summary Time Period Hour Leq Lmax Lmin L1% L2% L5% L8% L25% L50% L90% L95% L99% Night Day Evening Night