Noise Hazards

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Fact Sheets

Question:
What are the documentation requirements for an EIS waiver in 24CRF51.104(b?)

Answer:
Detailed guidance is available in the linked fact sheet

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

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

Standards for High Noise Areas

Question:
What is a "high noise area" and how do the standards apply?

Answer:
High noise areas are those in which the day-night average of exterior noise exceeds 65 decibels.

Approvals in a "normally unacceptable noise zone" (exceeding 65 decibels but not exceeding 75 decibels) require a minimum of 5 decibels additional noise attenuation for buildings having noise sensitive (e.g. residences) uses if the day-night average is greater than 65 decibels but does not exceed 70 decibels, or minimum of 10 decibels of additional noise attenuation if the day-night average is greater than 70 decibels but does not exceed 75 decibels.

In "unacceptable noise zones" (exceeding 75 decibels) the use of HUD assistance is prohibited without the specific approval by the HUD Assistant Secretary for Community Planning and Development of the noise attenuation measures proposed to be used. It is also possible in such a circumstance that an environmental impact statement would have to be prepared.

Existing Construction and HUD Noise Standards

Question:
Do HUD noise standards apply to existing construction?

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

Thresholds for Screening

Question:
How does the environmental review screen for noise hazards?

Answer:
The environmental review must provide either:

1. a finding that the property proposed for new construction, major rehabilitation, or conversion is not located within:
   1. 1,000 feet of a major noise source, road, or highway;
   2. 3,000 ft of a railroad; or,
   3. 5 miles of a civil airport or 15 miles of a military airfield; or
      
      
2. a finding that the property is located within a normally unacceptable or unacceptable noise zone, in which case it must:
   1. state that the plans for the property proposed for new construction, major rehabilitation or conversion activity incorporates noise attenuation features in accord with HUD environmental criteria and standards contained in Subpart B--Noise Abatement and Control of 24 CFR 51; and
   2. provide the plans as evidence and a statement of the anticipated interior noise levels.

Sources of Information

Question:
Where does one obtain information on noise hazards?

Answer:
The local planning agency, the State department of transportation, and the airport agency are sources of noise hazards information.

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