Appendix E - Garvey Earle Noise Report
NOISE IMPACT ANALYSIS
GARVEY EARLE PLAZA
CITY OF ROSEMEAD, CALIFORNIA
Prepared by:
Giroux & Associates
1800 E Garry St., #205
Santa Ana, CA 92705
Prepared for:
Phil Martin & Associates
Attn: Phil Martin
4860 Irvine Boulevard, Suite 203
Irvine, CA 92620
Date:
May 30, 2017
Project No.: P17-014 N
Garvey Earle Noise 1
NOISE SETTING
Sound is mechanical energy transmitted by pressure waves in a compressible medium such as air.
Noise is generally considered to be unwanted sound. Sound is characterized by various parameters
that describe the rate of oscillation of sound waves, the distance between successive troughs or crests,
the speed of propagation, and the pressure level or energy content of a given sound. In particular, the
sound pressure level has become the most common descriptor used to characterize the loudness of an
ambient sound level.
The decibel (dB) scale is used to quantify sound pressure levels. Although decibels are most
commonly associated with sound, "dB" is a generic descriptor that is equal to ten times the logarithmic
ratio of any physical parameter versus some reference quantity. For sound, the reference level is the
faintest sound detectable by a young person with good auditory acuity.
Since the human ear is not equally sensitive to all sound frequencies within the entire auditory
spectrum, human response is factored into sound descriptions by weighting sounds within the range
of maximum human sensitivity more heavily in a process called “A-weighting,” written as dB(A).
Any further reference in this discussion to decibels written as "dB" should be understood to be
A-weighted.
Time variations in noise exposure are typically expressed in terms of a steady-state energy level equal
to the energy content of the time varying period (called LEQ), or alternately, as a statistical description
of the sound pressure level that is exceeded over some fraction of a given observation period. Finally,
because community receptors are more sensitive to unwanted noise intrusion during the evening and
at night, state law requires that, for planning purposes, an artificial dB increment be added to quiet
time noise levels in a 24-hour noise descriptor called the Ldn (day-night) or the Community Noise
Equivalent Level (CNEL). The CNEL metric has gradually replaced the Ldn factor, but the two
descriptors are essentially identical.
CNEL-based standards are generally applied to transportation-related sources because local
jurisdictions are pre-empted from exercising direct noise control over vehicles on public streets,
aircraft, trains, etc. The City of Rosemead therefore regulates the noise exposure of the receiving
property through land use controls.
For “stationary” noise sources, or noise sources emanating from private property the City does have
legal authority to establish noise performance standards designed to not adversely impact adjoining
uses. These standards are typically articulated in the jurisdictional Municipal Code. These standards
recognize the varying noise sensitivity of both transmitting and receiving land uses. The property
line noise performance standards are normally structured according to land use and time-of-day.
NOISE COMPATIBILITY GUIDELINES
The City of Rosemead considers noise compatibility standards in evaluating land use projects. A
proposed land use must be shown to be compatible with the ambient noise environment, particularly
for noise sources over which direct City control is preempted by other agencies. Such sources include
vehicle traffic on public streets, aircraft or trains. Since the City cannot regulate the noise level from
Garvey Earle Noise 2
the source, it exercises its land use decision authority to insure that noise/land use incompatibility is
minimized.
Figure 1 shows the noise/land use compatibility guideline for the City of Rosemead, as contained in
the Noise Element of the General Plan. For residential use, 60 dB CNEL is considered . “normally
acceptable” and 70 dB CNEL is considered “conditionally acceptable.” Conditionally acceptable
requires that a noise analysis be performed to identify possible necessary mitigation measures.
Commercial uses are less noise sensitive and noise levels up to 65 dB are considered normally
acceptable and levels up to 75 dB are considered conditionally acceptable.
An interior CNEL of 45 dB is mandated by the State of California Noise Insulation Standards (CCR,
Title 24, Part 6, Section T25-28) for multiple family dwellings and hotel and motel rooms. In 1988,
the State Building Standards Commission expanded that standard to include all habitable rooms in
residential use, including single-family dwelling units. Since normal noise attenuation within
residential structures with closed windows is 25-30 dB, an exterior noise exposure of 70-75 dB CNEL
allows the interior standard to be met without any specialized structural attenuation (dual paned
windows, etc.), but with closed windows and fresh air supply systems or air conditioning in order to
maintain a comfortable living environment.
NOISE STANDARDS
For noise generated on one property affecting an adjacent use, the City of Rosemead limits the amount
of noise crossing the boundary between the two uses. For regulated on-site sources of noise generation,
the Rosemead noise ordinance prescribes limits that are considered an acceptable exposure for residential
uses in proximity to regulated noise sources. The L50 metric used in the Rosemead noise ordinance is
the level exceeded 50% of the measurement period of thirty minutes in an hour. One-half of all
readings may exceed this average standard with larger excursions from the average allowed for
progressively shorter periods. The larger the deviation, the shorter the allowed duration up to a never-
to-exceed 20 dB increase above the 50th percentile standard. Nightime noise levels limits are reduced
by 5 dB to reflect the increased sensitivity to noise occurring during that time period.
The City L50 noise standard for residential uses is 60 dB during the day (7 a.m. – 10 p.m.), and 45 dB at
night (10 p.m. – 7 a.m.). For commercial uses the L50 standard is 65 dB during the day (7 a.m. – 10
p.m.), and 60 dB at night (10 p.m. – 7 a.m.). These noise standards for residential and commercial uses
are shown in Table 1. In the event that the ambient noise level exceeds any of the noise standards,
the standards shall be increased to reflect the ambient noise level.
The Ordinance also restricts hours of construction to hours of lesser noise sensitivity with heavy
equipment to not operate from 8 p.m. to 7 a.m. during the week and on Saturdays, and to not exceed 85
dB at any residential property line (8.36.030.A.3). Construction is not permitted on Sundays or Federal
Holidays.
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Figure 1
City of Rosemead Noise Compatibility Guidelines
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Table 1
ROSEMEAD NOISE ORDINANCE LIMITS
(Exterior Noise Level not to be Exceeded)
Residential Use Commercial Use
Maximum Allowable
Duration of Exceedance
7 AM to 10
PM
(Daytime)
10 PM to 7
AM
(Nighttime)
7 AM to 10 PM
(Daytime)
10 PM to 7 AM
(Nighttime)
30 minutes/Hour (L50) 60 dB 45 dB 65 dB 60 dB
15 minutes/Hour (L25) 65 dB 50 dB 70 dB 65 dB
5 minutes/Hour (L8) 70 dB 55 dB 75 dB 70 dB
1 minute/Hour (L1) 75 dB 60 dB 80 dB 75 dB
Never (Lmax) 80 dB 65 dB 85 dB 80 dB
Source: Municipal Code Section 8.36.060
BASELINE NOISE LEVELS
In November, 2014, Giroux & Associates performed noise monitoring for a project less than 300 feet
west on Garvey Avenue (one block to the west). This data was used as a reference to establish existing
baseline levels in the project area. Measurements were made on a Monday, at approximately 2:30-
3:30 p.m., at the location shown in Figure 2. The measured noise levels are summarized in Table 2.
Table 2
Measured Noise Levels (dBA)
Leq Lmax Lmin L10 L33 L50 L90
69 79 56 72 70 67 59
Monitoring experience shows that 24-hour weighted CNELs can be reasonably well estimated from
peak rush hour noise readings. CNELs are approximately equal to afternoon hour Leq plus 2-3 dB
(Caltrans Technical Noise Supplement, 2009).
The noise meter was located on the corner of Garvey and Delta Avenues and readings were indicative
of the existing on-site noise levels. Observed noise levels were approximately 71-72 dB CNEL at 50
feet from centerline. Later in this report this metered noise level is verified to be consistent with the
noise levels modeled using traffic data provided in the traffic report and is used to determine possible
noise mitigation requirements.
The City of Rosemead considers CNELS of up to 70 dB to be conditionally acceptable for residential
use with the requirement of a noise analysis. Depending on setback for the project residential
component, upgraded acoustical mitigation could be required to meet this threshold for residences
with a line of sight to Garvey Avenue.
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Figure 2
Noise Meter Location
Noise levels of up to 75 dB CNEL are considered conditionally acceptable for commercial use.
However, unless commercial projects include noise-sensitive uses such as outdoor dining, exterior
noise exposure is generally not considered a commercial facility siting constraint.
NOISE IMPACTS
IMPACT SIGNIFICANCE CRITERIA
Noise impacts are considered significant if:
1. They create violations of noise standards, or,
2. They substantially worsen an already excessive noise environment, or,
3. They substantially increase an existing quiet environment even if noise standards are not violated
by the proposed action.
Meter
Project
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Two characteristic noise sources are typically identified with land use intensification such as that
proposed for the mixed use project. Construction activities, especially heavy equipment, will create
short-term noise increases near the project site. Such impacts may be important for possible nearby
noise-sensitive receptors such as any existing residential uses. Upon completion, project-related
traffic will cause an incremental increase in area-wide noise levels throughout the project area.
Traffic noise impacts are generally analyzed both to ensure that the project does not adversely impact
the acoustic environment of the surrounding community, as well as to ensure that the project site is
not exposed to an unacceptable level of noise resulting from the ambient noise environment acting on
the project. Finally, the project analysis needs to examine noise from the proposed commercial uses
upon proposed on-site and existing adjacent residential uses.
According to the current CEQA Appendix G guidelines, noise impacts are considered potentially
significant if they cause:
a. 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. Noise levels
exceeding the City of Rosemead Noise Standards would be considered significant.
b. Exposure of persons to or generation of excessive groundborne vibration or groundborne noise
levels.
c. A substantial permanent increase in ambient noise levels in the project vicinity above levels
existing without the project.
d. A substantial temporary or periodic increase in ambient noise levels in the project vicinity
above levels existing without the project.
CEQA Guidelines also identify potential impact significance due to aircraft noise. There are no
airports in very close proximity to the site where aircraft noise would be an issue.
The term "substantial increase" is not defined by any responsible agency. The limits of perceptibility
by ambient grade instrumentation (sound meters) or by humans in a laboratory environment is around
1.5 dB. Under ambient conditions, people generally do not perceive that noise has clearly changed
until there is a 3 dB difference. A threshold of 3 dB is commonly used to define "substantial
increase." An increase of +3 dBA CNEL in traffic noise would be consistent a significant impact.
CONSTRUCTION NOISE IMPACTS
Temporary construction noise impacts vary markedly because the noise strength of construction
equipment ranges widely as a function of the equipment used and its activity level. Short-term
construction noise impacts tend to occur in discrete phases dominated by large, earth-moving equipment
sources for demolition and grading. During construction and paving, equipment is generally less noisy.
Construction noise tends to occur in discrete phases dominated initially by demolition and/or earth-
moving sources and later for finish construction and paving. Figure 3 shows the typical range of
construction activity noise generation as a function of equipment used in various building phases.
Garvey Earle Noise 7
Figure 3
Garvey Earle Noise 8
The demolition and earth-moving sources are seen to be the noisiest with equipment noise ranging
up to about 90 dB(A) at 50 feet from the source. Spherically radiating point sources of noise
emissions are atmospherically attenuated by a factor of 6 dB per doubling of distance, or about 6 dB
in 100 feet of propagation. The impact radius pre-supposes a clear line-of-sight and no other
machinery or equipment noise that would mask project construction noise. With buildings and other
barriers to interrupt line-of-sight conditions, the potential “noise envelope” around individual
construction sites is reduced. Construction noise impacts are, therefore, somewhat less than that
predicted under idealized input conditions.
The nearest residence to the project site is to the north. The Palm Motel building is immediately
adjacent to the eastern property line. It is not likely that the heaviest equipment would operate closest
to the either property line, but if were to occur, the City of Rosemead construction noise standard of
85 dB could be exceeded for short periods of time. For equipment operating closer to the center of
the site, noise levels would be 5-10 dB lower because of distance attenuation. In some instances,
installation of a sound curtain along property line can reduce construction noise by as much as -10
dB. Noisiest construction operations of equipment would occur at ground level of sub-grade parking.
Peak off-site equipment noise would be shielded by any site perimeter barriers or by on-site barrier
walls. The use of reasonable site perimeter noise controls can maintain off-site noise exposures from
construction activities at less than the City standard. It is recommended that the barrier height be at
least 8-feet high.
The nearest residence to the north is less than 15 feet from the project surface parking lot but more
than 25 feet from the closest on-site structure with a much larger setback to the remainder of the site.
It is not likely that the heaviest equipment would operate closest to the property line, but if were to
occur, the City of Rosemead construction noise standard of 85 dB could be exceeded for short periods
of time. However, construction of the proposed 6-foot high block wall at the residential use perimeter
would assist in mitigating possible construction noise intrusion for the nearest off-site residential use
on Earle Avenue. The two story Palm Motel borders the site on the east, but there are no windows
with a line of sight to the project.
Construction noise is potentially significant but is mitigated by construction of the proposed 6-foot
high northern perimeter wall prior to the commencement of construction activities and by adherence
to the allowable hours of operation of 7 a.m.to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Construction is not
permitted on Sundays and Federal Holidays.
CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITY VIBRATION
Construction activities generate ground-borne vibration when heavy equipment travels over unpaved
surfaces or when it is engaged in soil movement. The effects of ground-borne vibration include
discernible movement of building floors, rattling of windows, shaking of items on shelves or hanging
on walls, and rumbling sounds. Vibration related problems generally occur due to resonances in the
structural components of a building because structures amplify groundborne vibration. Within the
“soft” sedimentary surfaces of much of Southern California, ground vibration is quickly damped out.
Groundborne vibration is almost never annoying to people who are outdoors (FTA 2006).
Garvey Earle Noise 9
Groundborne vibrations from construction activities rarely reach levels that can damage structures.
Because vibration is typically not an issue, very few jurisdictions have adopted vibration significance
thresholds. Vibration thresholds have been adopted for major public works construction projects, but
these relate mostly to structural protection (cracking foundations or stucco) rather than to human
annoyance.
A vibration descriptor commonly used to determine structural damage is the peak particle velocity
(ppv) which is defined as the maximum instantaneous positive or negative peak of the vibration
signal, usually measured in in/sec. The range of such vibration is as follows in Table 3.
Table 3
Human Response To Transient Vibration
Average Human Response ppv (in/sec)
Severe 2.00
0 Strongly perceptible 0.90
0 Distinctly perceptible 0.24
0 Barely perceptible 0.03
5 Source: Caltrans Transportation and Construction Vibration Guidance Manual, 2013. Over the years, numerous vibration criteria and standards have been suggested by researchers,
organizations, and governmental agencies. There are no Caltrans or Federal Highway Administration
standards for vibration.
According to Caltrans, the threshold for structural vibration damage for modern structures is 0.5
in/sec for intermittent sources, which include impact pile drivers, pogo-stick compactors, crack-
and-seat equipment, vibratory pile drivers, and vibratory compaction equipment. The American
Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) (1990) identifies maximum
vibration levels for preventing damage to structures from intermittent construction or maintenance
activities for residential buildings in good repair with gypsum board walls to be 0.4–0.5 in/sec. The
damage threshold criterion of 0.2 in/sec is appropriate for fragile buildings. Below this level there is
virtually no risk of building damage. The predicted vibration levels generated by construction
equipment are shown below in Table 4.
Table 4
Estimated Vibration Levels During Project Construction
Equipment
PPV
at 15 ft
(in/sec)
PPV
at 25 ft
(in/sec)
PPV
at 50 ft
(in/sec)
PPV
at 60 ft
(in/sec)
PPV
at 75 ft
(in/sec)
PPV
at 100 ft
(in/sec)
Large Bulldozer 0.191 0.089 0.031 0.024 0.017 0.011
Loaded trucks 0.152 0.076 0.027 0.020 0.015 0.010
Jackhammer 0.070 0.035 0.012 0.009 0.007 0.004
Small Bulldozer 0.006 0.003 0.001 0.001 <0.001 <0.000
Source: FHWA Transit Noise and Vibration Impact Assessment
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The calculation to determine PPV at a given distance is:
PPVdistance = PPVref*(25/D)^1.5
Where:
PPVdistance = the peak particle velocity in inches/second of the equipment adjusted for
distance,
PPVref = the reference vibration level in inches/second at 25 feet, and
D = the distance from the equipment to the receiver.
The closest residence adjacent to the northern project boundary is 25 feet from the from the closest
building facade. Even at 15 feet, the predicted vibration levels generated by construction equipment
would be below levels that could create structural damage in fragile buildings (i.e., 0.2 in/sec) though
effects of vibration perception such as rattling windows could occur at the nearest structures. The
Palms Motel is adjacent to the site along the eastern perimeter. Only large dozers would generate
vibration levels that could be of concern.
Large bulldozers will not likely operate directly at the shared property line. Regardless, any fine
grading at the property line should be performed with small bulldozers which are seen above to have
30 VdB less vibration potential. Therefore, to ensure adequate vibration annoyance protection the
following mitigation measure is recommended:
Only small bulldozers shall be permitted to operate within 50 feet of the nearest residential
structures.
Construction activity vibration impacts are judged as less-than-significant with this limitation.
OFF-SITE PROJECT-RELATED VEHICULAR NOISE IMPACTS
Long-term noise concerns from the hotel use at the project site can be derived from vehicular
operations on project area roadways. These concerns were addressed using the California specific
vehicle noise curves (CALVENO) in the federal roadway noise model (the FHWA Highway Traffic
Noise Prediction Model, FHWA-RD-77-108). The model calculates the Leq noise level for a
reference set of input conditions, and then makes a series of adjustments for site-specific traffic
volumes, distances, speeds, or noise barriers.
Table 5 summarizes the 24-hour CNEL level at 50 feet from the roadway centerline along 15 roadway
segments. The noise analysis utilizes data from the project traffic analysis, prepared by the traffic
consultant, Stantec Engineering, for this project. Four traffic scenarios were evaluated; existing
conditions “with project” and “without project”, and baseline year (2019) “with project” and “without
project”.
As shown in Table 6, project implementation in the opening year does little to change the traffic noise
environment. Because the area is mostly built out, addition of project traffic to area roadways does
little to the traffic noise environment. The largest project related impact is +0.1 dB CNEL at 50 feet
Garvey Earle Noise 11
from the roadway centerline. The noise impact is much less than the significance threshold. The noise
analysis shows no discernable noise impact on area roadways.
The cumulative analysis, which compares “future with project” to “existing” conditions, shows a
maximum impact of +0.8 dB CNEL at 50 feet from roadway centerline, on Delta Avenue adjacent to
the project. The remainder of the project would not exceed a +0.3 dB CNEL cumulative increase.
These increases are much less than the +3 dB significance threshold. Project only traffic noise
increases and cumulative traffic noise increases are less-than-significant.
Table 5
Traffic Noise Impact Analysis
(dBA CNEL at 50 feet from centerline)
Segment Existing
No Project
Existing
With
Project
2019 No
Project
2019 With
Project
Hellman Ave San Gabriel-Gladys 62.4 62.4 62.5 62.5
Stallo-Willard 61.8 61.8 62.0 62.0
Willard-Walnut Grove 64.3 64.3 64.5 64.5
Garvey Ave/ Charlotte-Delta 71.5 71.6 71.8 71.9
Earle-Willard 70.9 71.0 71.2 71.2
San Gabriel Blvd/ N of I-10 72.6 72.6 72.8 72.8
N of Hellman 72.6 72.6 72.7 72.7
Hellman-Dorothy 69.6 69.6 69.7 69.8
Park-Gavey 69.5 69.5 69.6 69.7
Walnut Grove/ N of I-10 69.5 69.5 69.6 69.6
N of Hellman 69.2 69.2 69.3 69.3
Hellman-Dorothy 68.0 68.1 68.2 68.2
Dorothy-Garvey 68.2 68.2 68.3 68.3
Garvey-Fern 67.9 67.9 68.0 68.0
Delta Ave/ Garvey-Fern 60.3 60.6 61.1 61.3
Table 6
Project-Related Noise Impact*
(CNEL in dBA at 50 feet from Centerline)
Segment Existing
Impact
2019
Impact
Cumulative
Impact
Hellman Ave San Gabriel-Gladys 0.0 0.0 0.1
Stallo-Willard 0.0 0.0 0.1
Willard-Walnut Grove 0.0 0.0 0.2
Garvey Ave/ Charlotte-Delta 0.1 0.1 0.3
Earle-Willard 0.0 0.0 0.3
San Gabriel Blvd/ N of I-10 0.0 0.0 0.2
N of Hellman 0.0 0.0 0.1
Hellman-Dorothy 0.0 0.0 0.2
Park-Gavey 0.0 0.0 0.2
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Walnut Grove/ N of I-10 0.0 0.0 0.1
N of Hellman 0.0 0.0 0.1
Hellman-Dorothy 0.0 0.0 0.2
Dorothy-Garvey 0.0 0.0 0.2
Garvey-Fern 0.0 0.0 0.1
Delta Ave/ Garvey-Fern 0.2 0.2 1.0
*May differ by +/- 0.1 when in excel rounds down to a 10th of a decimal
ON-SITE EXTERIOR TRAFFIC EXPOSURE
Although the City of Rosemead guidelines allows exterior noise levels of up to 70 dB CNEL, a noise
level of 65 dB is the level at which ambient noise begins to interfere with one's ability to carry on a
normal conversation at reasonable separation without raising one's voice. A noise exposure of 65 dB
CNEL is typically the exterior noise land use compatibility guideline for new residential dwellings in
California.
Garvey Avenue and Earle Avenue bound the project site. Although the project entry/egress point is
along the Earle Avenue perimeter, vehicles are not expected to utilize Earle Avenue north of the site.
The only Earle Avenue use across from the proposed project is commercial. Existing residential uses
are to the north and therefore unaffected by project roadway traffic such that proximity is not
considered a siting constraint (drive aisle noise is analyzed independently later in this report).
However, the Garvey Avenue roadway segment adjacent to the project site is calculated to reach 72
dB CNEL at 50 feet from roadway centerline. The residential units in the site are on top of the
commercial façade and are sited along Garvey Avenue.
These residential units along Garvey Avenue are on upper levels and many have balconies facing the
roadway. The following setbacks from the Garvey Avenue centerline would be needed to achieve a
65 or 70 dB CNEL noise level:
Distance to 65 dB CNEL 250 feet
Distance to 70 dB CNEL 80 feet
The closest proposed residential patio is approximately 60 feet from the Garvey Avenue centerline.
At 60 feet the exterior noise loading would be expected to be 71 dB CNEL. If the patios on these
units are required to meet established noise thresholds, noise protection would be required. A shield
would break the line-of-sight between the receiver and noise source. A transparent noise shield (e.g.,
plexi-glass) along the patios facing Garvey Avenue would reduce noise by at least 5 dBA and while
still permitting view. However, a residual noise level of 66 dB CNEL is still slightly above the noise
standard.
Because a shield must break the line-of-sight between the receiver and noise source, there is no simple
mitigation measure to only reduce noise levels by the needed 1 dBA. However, a 5.5 foot plexi-glass
wall should reduce noise levels by an additional 1dBA, which would result in a 65 dBA CNEL noise
level.
Garvey Earle Noise 13
However, recreational use areas at the Garvey Earle site may be considered possible common outdoor
space sited in the interior of the complex which would be noise protected by the perimeter structures.
Most jurisdictions do not require noise protection for individual recreational space if noise-protected
common space is provided, which is the case with this project.
The interior residential noise standard is 45 dB CNEL. For typical wood-framed construction with
stucco and gypsum board wall assemblies, the exterior to interior noise level reduction is as follows:
Partly open windows – 12 dB
Closed single-paned windows – 20 dB
Closed dual-paned windows – 30 dB
Use of dual-paned windows is required by the California Building Code (CBC) for energy
conservation in new residential construction.
Interior standards will be met as long as residents have the option to close their windows. Where
window closure is needed to shut out noise, supplemental ventilation is required by the CBC with
some specified gradation of fresh air. Central air conditioning or a fresh air inlet on a whole house
fan would meet this requirement.
Because commercial uses are not occupied on a 24-hour basis, the exterior noise exposure standard
for less sensitive land uses is generally is less stringent. Unless commercial projects include noise-
sensitive uses such as outdoor dining, noise exposure is generally not considered a commercial facility
siting constraint for typical project area noise. At this time the project does not include any outdoor
commercial use dining space.
SITE OPERATIONAL NOISE
The project drive aisle is accessed via Earle Avenue. The drive aisle is approximately 50 feet from
the nearest sensitive use and the project proposes a 6-foot wall along the shared property line.
According to the project traffic report, the peak morning or afternoon traffic volume is 25 vehicles
(entering or leaving). The noise level associated with 25 vehicles is 44 dB Leq with a 25 per mile
speed limit. The proposed 6-foot wall would reduce noise by an additional 5 dB with a resultant 39
dB. This noise level is below the 60 dB noise standard.
The project proposes a mixed-use site with a small retail and restaurant use component. The small
retail space is similarly not anticipated to negatively impact sensitive uses. Restaurant noise is
controlled by a Conditional Use Permit (CUP). CUP’s contain specific conditions to minimize noise
impacts to area sensitive uses. Although the exact mix of commercial tenants is unknown,
mechanisms, such as permit conditions, are in place to ensure that future mixed-use nature of the
project site will maintain compatibility with respect to noise generation.
Garvey Earle Noise 14
CONCLUSIONS
Short-term construction noise intrusion shall be mitigated by compliance with the City of Rosemead
Noise Ordinance. The allowed hours of construction are from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through
Friday. Construction noise could exceed 85 dB at the nearest sensitive use but is nevertheless
minimized by the following conditions:
• Prior to construction, erect an 8-foot perimeter barrier along the northern shared property line
to shield adjacent residences from the noisiest construction activities.
• All equipment shall be equipped with properly operating and maintained mufflers.
• Equipment and materials shall be staged in areas that will create the greatest distance between
construction-related noise sources and the noise-sensitive receptors nearest the project site during
all project construction.
• All construction-related activities shall be restricted to the construction hours outlined in the
City’s Noise Ordinance.
• Construction-related trucks traveling to and from the project site shall be restricted to the same
hours specified for the operation of construction equipment. To the extent feasible, haul routes
shall not pass directly by sensitive land uses or residential dwellings.
Project-related off-site traffic noise changes on existing streets are less than significant.
Habitable interior space for units fronting Garvey Avenue will be adequately noise protected to
achieve 45 dB with only the ability to close windows. Where window closure is needed for policy
compliance, supplemental fresh air ventilation will be provided at rates specified in the California
Building Code.
Vehicles entering or leaving the site noise are not expected to create a significant noise impact. The
proposed 6-foot perimeter wall would provide an extra level of assurance.