Earlier editions: 2026-09
Title 17 — ZONING ORDINANCE (1983 CODE)\
Pismo Beach Municipal Code Ch. 17.084 Noise Problems (n) Overlay Zone
Pismo Beach Municipal Code · 2026-10 edition · updated 2026-10-03 · Pismo Beach
Cite as: Pismo Beach Municipal Code Chapter 17.084 · Text as of 2026-10-03
17.084.010 Purpose of zone.¶
The noise problems (N) overlay zone is intended to protect noise sensitive areas from excessive noise levels.
17.084.020 Criteria and standards.¶
A. All noise sensitive residential uses, such as but not limited to residences, motels, and hospitals, shall be sited as far from major noise sources, such as the freeway, as feasible.
B. An acoustical engineering report shall be submitted at the time of application which shall address mitigating measures such as insulation, site planning, landscaping, setbacks, walls, etc., for all noise sensitive residential uses proposed within this overlay zone.
C. If the acoustical engineering report indicates that the area is not noise impacted based on the maximum standards established below, no additional attenuation measures will be necessary.
D. All new developments within noise impacted areas shall implement adequate site planning and insulation measures to reduce noise to the following established noise compatibility standards:
City of Pismo Beach Noise Level Compatibility Standards**
| Land Use Category | Maximum Acceptable Noise Exposure | Maximum Acceptable Noise Exposure |
|---|---|---|
| Exterior, If Applicable | Exterior, If Applicable | |
| Exterior, If Applicable | Exterior, If Applicable | |
| Residential, Single Family, Duplex, Mobile Homes, Multi-Family Dwelling, Dormitories, etc. | 60 | 45 |
| Transient Lodging | 70 | 45 |
| School Classrooms, Libraries, Churches | 65 | 45 |
| Hospitals, Nursing Homes | 65 | 45 |
| Auditoriums, Concert Halls, Music Shells | 60 | -- |
| Sports Arenas, Outdoor Spectator Sports | 65 | -- |
| Playgrounds, Neighborhood Parks | 65 | -- |
| Golf Courses, Riding Stables, Water Recreation, Cemeteries | 70 | -- |
| Office Buildings, Personal, Business and Professional | 75 | 45 |
| Commercial--Retail, Movie Theaters, Restaurants | 75 | -- |
| Commercial--Wholesale, Some Retail, Industry, Manufacturing, Utilities | 80 | -- |
| Manufacturing--Communications (Noise Sensitive) | 70 | -- |
| Livestock Farming, Animal Breeding | 75 | -- |
| Agriculture (except livestock), Mining, Fishing | 95 | -- |
| Public Right-of-Way | 85 | -- |
| Extensive Natural Recreation Areas | 75 | -- |
Source: Noise Element, city of Pismo Beach General Plan/Local Coastal Program Land Use Plan. ** The above noise exposure levels represent the upper limit of the range of "normally acceptable," continuous, noise levels. "Normally acceptable" is defined as being an exposure that is great enough to create concern. Alterations in building construction can make the Indoor environment acceptable, even for sleeping quarters.
- All actions taken under this overlay zone shall be consistent with the relevant goals, policies and programs of the general plan/local coastal program land use plan.
Explained in plain English
Pismo Beach guides that cite this page.
Get a plain-English answer with a citation back to this text.
Ask AI about this code