Land use planning provides for the orderly development of transportation corridors and industrial zones and adjacent noise-sensitive areas. Such planning minimises the community's exposure to excessive noise and vibration and other potential pollutants.
Early consideration of acoustical issues in the planning of new developments also leads to cost-effective solutions. Site layout and internal building space allocations can be optimised to reduce the need for specialist noise control measures.
Federal, state and local governments use the following approaches to encourage noise compatible land use planning:
- Planning, zoning, or other legal means (such as, subdivision or development standards, building codes, health codes, or occupancy permits)
- Development approval controls that include land or easement purchases or the acceptance of land donations
- Education and consultation to inform the community, developers, and local planners of the options for structures and land uses that will be compatible with land uses associated with noise emissions
- Acoustical site planning, architectural design, or acoustical construction
Larger developments can frequently be designed to "self-protect" by planning the site layout. Non-noise sensitive or fully air-conditioned buildings act as "noise barriers" to separate noise-sensitive buildings and outdoor areas from sources of noise.
During the planning of new developments, it is important to consider the potential vibration impacts. These may be from external vibration sources such as adjacent transport or industrial facilities. In some cases, the vibration may cause secondary noise effects that can be even more annoying than the vibration itself.
Alternatively, the vibration impact may be caused by the development itself and may affect neighbouring premises (e.g. construction activities, heavy machinery or transportation). Planning authorities including State and Local Government frequently place special conditions into approvals requiring developers to comply with stringent criteria.
Early consideration of vibration issues at the planning stage can lead to cost-effective solutions. Site planning and building layout can be optimised to reduce the need for specialist vibration control measures.
Services provided by Heggies to assist in these processes include:
- Reports for Development Applications and Master Plans
- Evidence for Court and Appeals Hearings
- Calculation and/or Modelling to Determine Vibration and Noise Levels
- Noise Simulations and Community Education
- Community Consultation and Project Representation
This is not an exhaustive list of our areas of expertise in the field of Acoustics. If you would like to find out more about the services we offer in this area, please contact us here.
