§ 130.37

Noise reduction measures shall be incorporated into the project design to reduce noise levels at or below the thresholds set forth in Tables in Section 130.37.060 (Noise Standards) above in this Chapter. Where applicable, the following specific requirements shall also apply:

A.

To meet noise threshold standards under Table 130.37.060.2 (Noise Level Standards for Noise-Sensitive Land Uses Affected by Transportation Noise Sources) above in this Chapter, where feasible, setbacks shall be the preferred method of noise abatement for residential projects located along U.S. Highway 50. Noise walls shall be discouraged within the foreground viewshed of U.S. Highway 50 and shall be discouraged in favor of less intrusive noise mitigation (e.g., landscaped berms, setbacks) along other high volume roadways.

B.

For outdoor concerts and events utilizing amplified sound system(s), a discretionary permit shall be required in the form of a Temporary or Conditional Use Permit, except for special events and marketing events that are allowed by right or with an administrative permit consistent with Chapter 130.44 (Ranch Marketing) or 130.40.400 (Wineries). Self-monitoring shall be performed to ensure that sound system levels are in compliance with those specified in the conditions of approval based on

the acoustic analysis. As a standard condition of approval for such use permits, failure to comply with sound system levels shall result in termination of the event for the duration of the period approved under the use permit and a moratorium on future events for the applicant or the property owner of two calendar years from the date of noncompliance. A second violation after such time shall result in revocation of the Conditional Use Permit, if applicable, and a permanent moratorium on future events for the applicant and property owner whether on that site or any other within the County.

(Ord. No. 5177, § 3, 6-20-2023)

For the purpose of evaluating conformance with the standards of this Chapter, noise levels shall be measured as follows:

A.

Use of Meter. Any noise measurement shall be made with a sound level meter using the A-weighted scale. Calibration of the measurement equipment utilizing an acoustical calibrator shall be performed immediately prior to recording any noise data.

B.

Ambient Sound Levels. Compliance with the above standards shall be determined by measuring the existing noise level with a sound level meter using slow response, with the sound source at issue remaining silent. The ambient sound level shall be determined based on the mean average of not less than three 20-minute measurements for any given time period. Additional noise measurements may be necessary to ensure that the ambient sound level is adequately determined.

C.

Measuring Exterior Noise Levels. Except as otherwise provided in this Chapter, exterior noise levels shall be measured at the property line of the affected noise-sensitive land use. Where practical, the microphone shall be positioned five feet above the ground and away from reflective surfaces.

D.

Measuring Interior Noise Levels. Interior noise levels shall be measured within the sensitive receptor, as defined in Section 130.37.040 (Noise Standards, Definitions) above in this Chapter, at points at least four feet from the wall, ceiling, or floor nearest the noise source, with windows in the normal seasonal configuration. The reported interior noise level shall be determined by taking the arithmetic average of the readings taken at the various microphone locations.

CHAPTER 130.38. - RESERVED CHAPTER 130.39. - OAK RESOURCES CONSERVATION[[1]]

Footnotes:

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Editor's note— Ord. No. 5235, § 1, adopted July 22, 2025, amended Ch. 130.39 in its entirety to read as herein set out. Former Ch. 130.39, §§ 130.39.010—130.39.100, pertained to similar subject matter, and derived from the original Code and Ord. No. 5234, §§ 4.A.—C., adopted July 22, 2025.