A city (or county) is not an accident but the result of coherent visions and aims

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acoustical attenuation of classrooms. Considering possible co-
benefits, such as safety improvements, and potential negative 
implications of soundwalls, such as community isolation 
and disconnection, is essential to ensure noise mitigation is 
effective and unobtrusive. 
Implementation Measures
Implementation of the noise element may require a variety of 
methods. Some tools communities may use include
• The adoption of noise impact and attenuation standards, 
consistent with the noise element guidelines and the Uniform 
Building Code
• Guidance for zoning and development through the adoption 
of specified noise mitigation
• The establishment of local standards and guidelines for noise evaluation, including baseline specifications. The evaluation of 
new residential and other sensitive uses for consistency with noise standards in areas adjacent to major sources of noise
• The review of all land use and development proposals for compliance with noise and land use compatibility standards 
• The control of stationary noise at the source through the use of insulation, berms, building design/orientation, buffer areas, 
staggered operating hours, and other techniques
• The correlation of noise element concerns with the objectives, policies, and plan proposals of the land use, circulation, and 
open-space elements in order to minimize community noise exposure 
• Noise control ordinances-generally used to resolve short-term noise problems, but they can also be helpful when evaluating 
development that might create a nuisance, or expansion of a major source near sensitive receptors.
Other Considerations
Noise and Health 
Exposure to excessive noise can have health impacts.
v
 The most common health impact from excessive noise exposure is sleep 
disturbance.  Sleep disturbance can impair cognitive performance, and alter hormone levels, heart rate, sleep patterns, and 
mood. Other potential health impacts from exposure to excessive noise include increased levels of hypertension, high blood 
pressure, and cardiovascular disease.
vi
  
There are multiple options to minimize excessive noise exposure and reduce potential health impacts. Minimization measures 
such as soundproofing a residence to reduce outdoor-to-indoor noise and requiring new residences to place bedrooms in the 
quietest part of the floor plan will minimize exposure to excessive noise and reduce potential health risks. 
Noise can be the sign of a vibrant community if planned for at appropriate 
levels and hours
Image by Urban Advantage, Peerless Green

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Ground-borne Vibration and Infill Development Considerations
Ground-borne vibration is manmade noise caused by oscillations of the ground due to explosions, construction, or railway and 
transit movement. Especially for local planning areas where sensitive use areas are, or will be, located near transit centers or 
railway lines, ground-borne vibration should be included in the noise element. Ground-borne vibration is already included in 
the noise section of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines Environmental Review Checklist (
Cal. Code 
Regs., tit. 14, § 15000 et seq., Appendix G, subd. XII (b)
). Addressing ground-borne vibration in the noise element of a general 
plan will ensure greater consistency between a general plan and CEQA. 
Rail and public transit are key tools for infill development, which helps reduce 
greenhouse gas emissions
 and is encouraged as 
part of the 
State’s planning priorities
. Ground-borne vibration associated with new rail and transit should be considered and 
mitigated during the planning process. 
Ground-borne vibration from cars and buses is usually caused by rough or uneven roadways. The repair of any bumps, cracks, 
and potholes on the roadway surface will dramatically reduce or solve ground-borne vibration from vehicles.  
Ground-borne vibration from rail systems typically stems from degraded wheel and rail surfaces. Routine maintenance of 
wheel and rail surfaces is critical to control ground-borne vibration. When vibration persists despite routine wheel and rail 
maintenance, other solutions to control vibration from rail systems include:
• Special track support systems such as floating slabs, resiliency supported ties, high reliance fasteners and ballast mats
• Trenches along the railway to act as a vibration barrier
• Reduction in vehicle speed near sensitive use sites
• Building modifications for nearby buildings with vibration-sensitive equipment affected by rail vibration 
• Expansion of the rail right-of-way or purchase of a vibration easement
The Federal Transit Authority (FTA) 
Transit Noise and Vibration Impact Assessment
 contains further guidelines on ground-borne 
vibration and various mitigation strategies.  
Ground-borne vibration is especially relevant for areas near the route of California’s High Speed Rail. The project will stretch 
from Sacramento to San Diego, with up to twenty-four stations. The project will also invest in local and regional rail lines. 
Areas near the High Speed Rail route should consider effects of ground-borne vibration in their noise element. See the project’s 
Environmental Impact Report/Statement 
Noise and Vibration Mitigation Guidelines Technical Appendix
 for more information. 

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Resources
Infill Development  
• ChangeLab 
Building in Healthy Infill
 
Traffic Noise 
• Caltrans 
Quieter Pavement Research Plan
• Caltrans 
Traffic Noise Analysis Protocol 
• Federal Highway Administration 
Highway Traffic Noise: Analysis and Abatement Guide  
• Caltrans 
Noise and Vibration Studies
 
• Caltrans 
Technical Noise Supplement
 
• Federal Highway Administration’s 
Traffic Noise Model
• Federal Highway Administration, Highway Traffic Noise, 
Construction Noise Handbook 
• Federal Highway Administration, 
Synthesis of Noise Effects on Wildlife Populations
Airport Noise
• Caltrans 
Airport Land Use Planning Handbook
• Federal Aviation Administration, Policy, International Affairs and Environment 
Noise and Emissions
 
Public Health
• World Health Organization 
Burden of Disease from Environmental Noise
 
• World Health Organization 
Guidelines for Community Noise
 
Groundborne Vibration Noise
• Federal Transit Authority (FTA) 
Transit Noise and Vibration Impact Assessment
Construction Noise
• Caltrans 
Transportation and Construction Vibration Guidance Manual
Military Compatibility Considerations
• 
California Advisory Handbook for Community and Military Compatibility Planning
 

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