Neighborhood Noise Complaints

Noise enclosures are used for many purposes, including the reduction of noise from machinery, isolation of workers in high-noise environments or for end-of-line validation testing.

Noise emanating from commerical facilities can be cause for complaints from both nearby homeowners or businesses. This noise content can vary from the use of construction or maintenance equipment, as well as loud music from gyms or workout facilities, public address systems, exhaust fans, compressors or other machinery used in commercial establishments.

Some communities have noise ordinances or legal requirements which must be met in order to avoid legal issues (see Commercial State and Local Noise Ordinances). However, many areas in the country have not established formal noise limits, and even where they do exist, it is not uncommon for complaints to be made even when noise levels are fully compliant with all applicable legal requirements. This is due to the subjective nature of certain sounds, which can be irritating (if sustained for long periods) even at very low levels or late at night. It is also fairly common for the complainants to have difficulty explaining the nature or source of the annoying sound(s). In some instances, complaints are directed at the wrong business or noise source, or can be so low in amplitude that they are very difficult to hear unless verified under specific conditions, for example, the noise is audible only during humid summer evenings.

The process of 1) identifying the nature of the unwanted noise, 2) finding the source(s) of this noise, and finally 3) determining the root-cause(s) of the noise can be challenging, as the complexities of ‘psycho-acoustic’ hearing response requires the use of different analytical methods and instrumentation than would be used to determine the overall noise level at a location.

MEMTECH ACOUSTICAL has performed many studies for commercial businesses to identify and mitigate unwanted noise that is the source of complaints. We have the expertise to assist your business in working with neighbors (residential or commerical) to characterize sources of annoying noise and to reduce or eliminate unwanted sound. Solutions can involve anything from adding noise-blocking materials, installation of noise walls, reducing machinery noise through isolation, or improving equipment design or installation. In some instances, solutions as simple as changing how speakers are mounted to walls or placed in gyms or public event venues can make a huge difference in noise annoyance at neighboring locations.

We have the certified instrumentation and well-qualitied engineers and technicians who specialize in resolving ‘psycho-acoustic’ (annoyance) noise problems, and can work within your budget to develop cost-effective solutions.

By being proactive in dealing with noise concerns from neighbors, you can ensure that your business will be a ‘good neighbor’ and minimize the likelihood of legal actions or penalties.

Please see our section on ENVIRONMENTAL NOISE CONTROL for a detailed discussion on this topic.