PUBLIC NOTICE City of Lockhart Planning and Zoning Commission 7:00 PM, Wednesday, October 23, 2024 Municipal Building - Glosserman Room 308 W. San Antonio St.  AGENDA  1. Call meeting to order.  2. Citizen comments not related to an agenda item. 3. Consider the Minutes of the October 9, 2024 meeting.  4. Hold a PUBLIC HEARING and consider a Text Amendment to Chapter 64, Article VIIL "Zoning Districts and Standards,' Section 64-198 "Performance standards for commercial and industrial districts," Subsection (c) "Nuisances," to raise the allowable noise levels for commercial properties adjacent to residentially zoned 6. Discuss the date and agenda oft the next meeting, including Commission requests for agenda items.  properties.  7. Adjournment.  Posted on the bulletin board in the Municipal Building, 308 West San Antonio Street,  Lockhart, Texas, at 11:00 a.m. on the 15th day of October, 2024.    City of Lockhart October 9, 2024  Planning and Zoning Commission  MINUTES  Members Present: Philip Ruiz, Manuel Oliva, Ron Peterson, Julial Haug, Bradley Lingvai  Members Absent: Phil McBride, Rick Arnic  Staff Present: David Fowler, Kevin Waller, Romy Brossman Visitors/Citizens Addressing the Commission:  1. Callmeeting to order. Chair Ruiz called the meeting to order at 7:00p.m.  2. Citizen comments not related to an agenda item. None 3. Consider the Minutes of the September 25,2024, meeting.  Commissioner Haug moved to approve the. September. 25, 2024, minutes. Commisionerlingya: Chair Ruiz stated to let the record reflect the arrival of Commissioner Ron Peterson at 7:03. 4. SUP-24-10. Hold a PUBLIC HEARING and consider a request by) John Powell on behalf of Chaun Kim Lai for a Specific Use Permit to allow a Bar, tavern, lounge or dance hall and Commercial outdoor recreation, entertainment, and amusement use on 1.44 acres in the James George Survey, Abstract No. 9, zoned CHB Commercial Heavy Business Districtand located at 1408 South Staff member David Fowler introduced the subject property with maps and aerials. The existing building on the subject property was recently occupied by a tobacco vaping and smoke shop, which had also received an SUP in 2020 for bar use. The new occupant of the site is converting the indoor area to a bar but would like to add an additional 800-square foot building to serve the outdoor patio area. This building would be located to the east of the existing building, abutting the patio area. The proposed building would be 16 feet deep and 50 feet wide. The proposed layout shows the new building would be a combination ofa al bar, kitchen/grill, storage, and a break room. As this new building would cause the bar use to exceed the scope of the previous SUP, a new SUP has been filed to cover the proposed additional facility. Applicant John Powell, 214 Main St. Smithville, TX, came toi the podium. He stated hei is bringing ina a family-friendly sports bar with a recreation area. He stated he understood concerns regarding noise, and stated he has a decibel reader. We will be open until 2:00 a.m. on Friday  seconded, and the motion passed by a vote of4-0.  Colorado Street.  -1-  Planning and Zoning Commission Regular Meeting 10-9-2024    and Saturday nights. We won't have a dancehall. In the future, we are willing to extend the Mr. Fowler reported the application complies with city standards and staff have not received There was a question regarding whether the existing SUP allowed extended hours. Mr. Fowler Commissioner Haug moved to approve SUP-24-10 with the condition of a review of the SUP after one year of operation. Commissioner Oliva seconded, and the motion passed with a vote  parking lot.  any opposition, therefore Staff recommends approval. answered that it did allow the extended hours.  of5-0.  5. FP-24-06. Consider a request by Jeff Pence of Manumit Investment Group, LLC for approval ofa Final Plat for Maple Park Section One-B, consisting of 9.942 acres in the Francis Berry Survey, Abstract 2, zoned PDD (Planned Development District), and located at the future Lincoln Lane, Staffmember Kevin Waller presented Section One-B of Maple Park Planned Development District as depicted on the approved Preliminary Plat (PP-19-01) and PDD Development Plan (PDD-19- 01). Although the preliminary plat identifies four commercial lots in Section One-B, the current proposal includes all but the northernmost lot in this section (Lot 4), which will be platted with Section One-A, according to the applicant. The last section within Maple Park to be approved was Section Three-A for the Maple Park Senior Village, the plat of which was recorded in September 2021. In addition to the three lots proposed with Section One-B, this proposal will also enable the subdivider to construct Lincoln Lane, which is included entirely within the boundaries oft this section and will serve other phases of development within Maple Park. Lincoln Lane will extend through the development from Maple Street to Clear Fork Street andi is classified asaminor street with a 60-foot- wide right-of-way and a 40-foot paved with per Note 12. Afour- foot-wide public sidewalk will be constructed along the Lincoln Lane frontage of each lot. A drainage easement is located within the west portion of each lot, which will convey stormwater from Lincoln Lane generally southward through the future Section One-A to the north and then through the commercial lots in Section One-B. The applicant has indicated that the easement will be conveyed by separate instrument, as one of the lots within Section One-A that is also affected by the easement is owned by a separate party. The recordation of the easement and labeling of the instrument number on the plat is a recommended condition of approval, prior to the construction of Lincoln Lane and recordation of the plat. The proposed subdivision has been reviewed and deemed acceptable by the Caldwell County Appraisal District's GIS Division. Appliçant Jeff Pence, 555 Hill Ave. New Braunfels, TX, introduced himself. He stated that he is ready to build Lincoln Lane and that getting the plat approved is thet final piece SO he could start Linda Hinkle, 1109 S. Main St. Lockhart, TX, came forward. She stated the easement to be recorded by separate instrument has been sent to the city attorney for review. She stated they were just waiting on comments from the attorney and the other landowner.  between Clear Fork Street and Maple Street.  building.  -2-  Planning and Zoning Commission Regular Meeting 10-9-2024    Kevin Waller stated that City staff recommended approval of the plat subject to two recommended conditions. One of which is the recording and labeling of the drainage easement instrument number for the drainage of Lincoln Lane, including the number on the plat and recording it prior to the construction of Lincoln Lane and prior to recording the plat. The second condition is to add the term "Final Plat" to the title block at thel bottom of the plat. Commissioner Lingvai moved to approve FP-24-06 according tostof'srecommended conditions. Commissioner Haug seconded, and the motion passed with a vote of 5-0. 6. Discuss the date and agenda of the next meeting, including Commission requests for agenda David Fowler stated that there will be a public hearing regarding a request to amend the noise ordinance to allow for higher levels of sound adjacent to residential uses. He also reminded the Commission that the City Council'spublic' hearing regarding the Comprehensive Plan will be held  items.  October 15th. 7. Adjournment.  Commissioner Oliva moved to adjourn, and Commissioner Peterson seconded. The motion passed  bya a unanimous vote, and the meeting adjourned at 7:25 p.m.  Approved:  (date)  Romy Brossman, Recording Secretary  Philip Ruiz, Chair  3-  Planning and Zoning Commission Regular Meeting 10-9-2024    CITY OF  Lockhart  (512)398-3461 . FAX (512)3 398-5103 P.O. Box 239 . Lockhart, Texas 78644 308 West San Antonio Street  TEXAS  TO: Planning and Zoning Commission FROM: David Fowler, AICP, Planning Director SUBJECT: Proposed Noise Ordinance revisions  DATE: October 15, 2024  A public hearing is scheduled at the October 23rd meeting to discuss possible revisions to Section 64-198 (c) (3) relating to allowed noise levels in the City. This hearing is partly in response to a local business owner who has received numerous complaints regarding outdoor live music events held on the property. The owner has requested sound levels of 75 decibels be allowed on similarly situated commercial properties abutting residential zoning districts between 7 AM and 10PM. The is represents a more than 20 decibel increase over the allowed level and is 5 decibels greater than the allowable level for a property A document which planning staff has prepared comparing Lockhart to other peer cities accompanies this memo, aswell as an overviewofnoise ordinances created bya a professional organization. Both documents show that while Lockhart's noise standards are lower than some other cities in the studies, they are not sO low as to stand out as an outlier among other cities. City planning staff does not have a recommendation: regardingw whethert the allowable sound evelsshouldberevsed but advises the Planning and Zoning Commission to consider whether the current regulations are an undue constraint on existing businesses or whether the quiet enjoyment of residential neighborhoods outweighs the request for greater levels of sound to be allowed on commercial properties, particularly those abutting residential  abutting an industrial district.  areas.    Brief on Noise Ordinance Amendments  October 11, 2024  Summary  How do peer cities regulate noise? Key factors for consideration include:  What the standard and/or special noise levels are, When the standard noise regulations apply, and  What exceptions exist.  Generally, cities in Texas regulate noise by establishing maximum decibel levels fore each zoning district. The following is an overview of these factors from different cities.  Georgetown  CodeofOrdinances Chapter 8.16-Noise Control  Day/Night Maximums:  63/56residential areas 70/63 commercial areas 72/65 industrial areas 72/65 other areas  San Marcos  The City uses a hybrid form-based code, sO specific noise regulations based on useare limited. Special Event Facility (use) does not have additional noise requirements.  Development Code Section 7.4.2.1 Noise decibels between 10:00 p.m. and 10:00 a.m.  No activity in excess of 85 decibels between 10:00 a.m. and 100p.m,erinescesdi7s  Round Rock  Code of Ordinance nepterla-Emvionmen, Article VIl-Noise  Day/Night Maximums:    55/50re residential areas  80/75commercial and industrial areas  Buda limited.  The City uses al hybrid form-based code, sO specific noise regulations based on useare  Unified Development Code 14.04.003 Restrictions on decibel levels  Day/Night Maximums:  63/56 residential areas 70/63 commercial areas 80/65 industrial areas 80/65 other areas  Taylor limited.  The City uses a hybrid form-based code, sO specific noise regulations based on useare  Taylor Made Land Development Ordinance 5.9.4.21 NOISE.  Sites shall be laid out and uses shall be operated to prevent noise from becominga Code ofOrdinances Chapter 19-Offenses-M Miscellaneous Section 19-4 Noise generally No loudspeaker shall be operated between 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. Monday- Saturday, with hours extended from 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Sundays.  nuisance to adjacent properties.  Hutto limited.  The Cityusesahybrid form-based code, sO specific noise regulations based on useare  Code of Ordinances Article 14.03 Noise  Day/Night Maximums:  85/70 in all areas, generally.    Austin  Code ofOrdinances Title 91 Prohibited. Activities, Chapter 9-2 Noise and Amplified Sound  Standard sound regulation hours are 10:30 p.m. to 7:00a.m., where no sound from instruments or music can be made which is audible to adjacent businesses or Sound equipment at a business cannot exceed 85 decibels between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 a.m., and cannot produce sound audible at the property line from 2:00a.m.to Sound is limited to 75 decibels in residential areas from 10:00 p.m. and 10:00a.m.  residences. 10:00 a.m.  Seguin  Code of Ordinances, Chapter 46- - Environment Article VIII - Noise  Itshall be unlawful between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and' 7:00a.m. to operate or permit the operation of any sound amplifying device ata a commercial establishment or residence so that the sound is plainly audible at a distance of 100 or more feet outside the property line of the property on' whichi the establishment or residence is  located.  General noise nuisance rules apply over the whole city.  Waco  CodeofOrdinances Chapter 16-Nuisances. Article' VII-N Noise and Sound Level Regulation Day/Night Maximums (forrecelving properties; e.g. no sound can be made that causes a  residential area to receive more than 80 decibels during the night):  85/80r residential areas 85/85 nonresidential areas  Lockhart  Lockhartuses a nuisance standard, contained in chapter 18-27 ofthe Code of Ordinances,  for noise originating onresidential properties.    Thei following standards apply to commercial and industrial properties abuttingresidential  properties. Daynigntmaxmums  55/50commerciaV/industrial areas putingresidentalareas 65/65 commerclaVindustrial areas abutting commercial areas 70/70commercial/industrial areas abutting industrial areas  Additionally, "When noise contains strong pure tone components ori is impulsive (when meter changes at ten decibels or more per second), the sound pressure level limit shall be five decibels less than the limits listed above, as measured. att the applicable propertyli line"  (Section 64-198(c/(3)b). Recommendations  Lockhart's noise regulations for commercial and industrial properties are generally more restrictive than the regulations of comparable cities. The city does not have strong standards for noise gnainglromrcscenta. properties, or standards that apply by- 1. Noise-specific regulations should be created for each zoning district or group of  district.  similar districts (e.g., residential, commercial, industrial).  a. Research indicates that district-based regulations are most commonly used (Research on noise standards in the U.S.A.: Preliminary Results ofan Analysis of 491 Community Noise Ordinances. Leslie D. Blomberg, New ntps/www.nonolsa.oragulatonpelmnan-s20rsuls.pdn b. Daytime noise maximums are, generally between50and 600 dB received at C. Night noise maximums are generally between 40and 50 dB received at the d. Lockhart's current noise emission standards for commercial and industrial properties in Section 64-198(c) of the Code of Ordinances are more restrictive in daytime hours than other municipauties but match similar e. Most cities establish daytime hours beginning at 7:00 A.M., and many (including Lockhart's commercial and industrial standards) begin the night  England NoiseCon-16.  the property line of residential properties. property line of residential properties.  cities' nightmaximums. hours at 10:00 P.M.    Reference: cpreec.org  Noise Level in decibels 135 110 88 80 65  Source  Effects Painful Discomfort exposure Annoying Intrusive : : 1.  Pneumatic drill Rock band  Industry / city traffic Hearing  impairment on prolonged  Alarmclock: Average city traffic  ntps/Aww.esearehgaenstnguePsychologcalamdphyabaleflects:otnoiseat  lifferent-decibel-levels-dp.toll.361314561  Summary of recommended noise exposure limit (World Health Organisation -  1980) Reference: cpreec.org Recommended Maximum  Environment Indoor, /Domesticl Night Indoor / Domestic Day Community / Urban Night Community / Urban Day  Effects  level 35dB 45dB 45dB 55dB  Increased awakeningat higher levels Speech communication deteriorates at higher levels Difficulty in falling asleep, at higherlèvel Annoyance increases at higher levels  tpsi/wwowresearcngateneungutestandeardbaneguictines.tu2.36134561    Design for Health. 2008. Planning Information Sheet: Considering Community Noise Issues through Comprehensive Planning and Ordinances. Version 1.0. wwnaesgnomeatn.net  Table 1: Common. Outdoor and. Indoor Noises  Outdoor Noises Jet Flyover at 300m Gas Lawn Mower: atin Inside Subway Train Noisy Urban) Daytime Gasl Lawn Mower. at 30m Normal Speech atim Quiet Urban Daytime Quiet Urban Nightlime Small Theatre Quiel Rural Nightime Source: Corbusier 2003  Indoor. Noises Rock Band at 5m Garbage Disposal at Im Dishwasher Next Room Bedroom at night  Sound Pressures Sound Pressure  (uPa) 6,324,555 2,000,000 200,000 63,246 6,325 2,000 632,  Leyels (dB) 110 100. 80. 70 50 40: 30  Table, 2: City of Wichita Excessive Noise Limitations  Zone Residential Commercial Light Industrial Industrial Source: City of! Wichita 2008  8am to next 10 pm 550 dBA 60.d dBA 70 dBA 80d dBA  101 pm tonext 8am 50dBA 55dBA: 65dBA 75dBA.  Research on noise standards ini the U.S.A.: Preliminary ResultsofanAnalysis: of 491 Community Noise Ordinances. Leslie D. Blomberg, New England NoiseCon-16. ttps/www.nonose.org/regulationpreuminaryesresults.pdt  Keypoints:  Nuisance-Dased ordinances are the most common typec ofnoise regulations, with regulations by zoning district appearing in 65% of cities studied. Most cities use multiple strategies to cover as many situations as possible. Median daytime noise levels in studied cities are 60 dBA. Median night noise levels in studied cities are 50 dBA. The majority of cities define daytime hours as 7:00 A.M.- 10:00 P.M.    How hearing loss occurs.  Common noises can be loud.  fafci ADISE msosca Washiny machne  Rodk concert tn  B5B Apposmitepgn wchox cangaus uanug damgo,  Siten Imyocon cuse.darvage  D) 10  ntps/www.ratelngen.comgrebuldingance-nobepalutonnaundersteningshne.  ksandefects-n.vork-andevepd,lie/7s  Exposure Time to Hearing Damage  140 120 100 80 60 40 20 0 0  Leaf Blower  Sports Event Rock-Concerte 80 100  20  40  60 Decibels (dB)  120    Noisei impacts on Plant health Less plants growth and productivity, less forest cover in noisy places as animals migrate from noisy places and plants which depend on them for life  can nots survive.  Vehicles Industries Community  Animals health  Cause animals migration, affects reproductive ability, hearing loss and troublei inf finding preya and V  death.  Humans health  Annoyance, dizziness, Increasecheartbeathgh blood PMPeteNahagUN, depression, sleeplessness, Iirtation,physiologial stress, nervousness, difficultyin communication,  tinnitus etc.  nttps./www.researcngata.netngureleath-dffects-olnolse.polution.fig2.364209497  SUMMARY OF POSSIBLE. CLINICAL MANIFESTATIONS OF STRESS CONCOMITANT WITH NOISE GALVANIC SKIN RESPONSE INCREASED ACTIVITY, RELATEDTO ULCERFORMATION CHANGES IN INTESTINAL MOTILITY  SUBJECIIVEREPONSE ARITABILITY ERCIPTONOFLOUDMESS INGREASEDSIGAR, CHOLESTFROLAND ADAENA.INE CHANGES IN HEARTRATE INCKEASED BLOADPRESSURE NCREASED ADRENAL HORMONES ICORIICOSTERONE, CORTISOL) VASOCONSTRICTION    CHANGES IN SKELETAL, MUSCLE TENSION  nttps/www.nonoise.org/library/handbook/nam    New England/ NoiseCon-16; Revolution inNoise Control, Providence, RI  Providence, RI NOISE-CON 2016 2016June 13-15  Preliminary Results of an Analysis of 491 Community Noise  Ordinances Lesliel D. Blomberg Noise Pollution Clearinghouse PO Box 1137 Montpelier VTO 05601-1137 mpc@nonoise.org ABSTRACT  The noise ordinances from 491 of the largest communities in the United States were analyzed with respect to the tools, metrics and criteria communities use to regulate noise. The prevalence of various techniques employed in noise regulations are presented and discussed. The regulatory tools and techniques analyzed include decibel-based standards, plainly audible standards, nuisance standards, quiet zones and restrictions based on zoning, setbacks, time-of-day  regulations, and bans (prohibitions). LINTRODUCTION  The Noise Pollution Clearinghouse, in an effort to update its online law library of noise regulations, is collecting and analyzing the community noise ordinances of approximately 1,000 communities. The preliminary results of the analysis of 491 of the largest communities in the United States are presented here. The noise ordinances were analyzed to determine what regulatory tools and techniques communities employed to control noise pollution. These tools and techniques included decibel-based standards, plainly audible standards, nuisance standards, quiet zones and restrictions based on zoning, setbacks, time-of-day regulations, and bans  (prohibitions). 2METHODOLOGY  Hundreds of noise regulations were read to determine the most common regulatory tools and techniques. These were determined to include decibel-based standards, plainly audible standards, nuisance standards, quiet zones and restrictions based on zoning, setbacks, time-of- Next, the noise ordinances oft the largest communities in the country were obtained, roughly in descending order of population. The eventual goal is to analyze the noise ordinances of at least the 500 large communities in the country, which would mean communities with more than approximately 65,000 people according to the 2010 Census. The current set of491 ordinances is missing 70 of the 500 largest communities, and includes some cities with fewer than 65,000 people. To be considered for this paper, the noise ordinance had to be found on the website of  day regulations, and bans (prohibitions).  the city, ori in a legal library (such as West Law, Municode, etc.).    Preliminary. Results ofa an Analysis of 491 Community, Noise Ordinances  Blomberg  Each of the 491 noise ordinançes was examined to determine which tools and techniques the regulations used, and the metrics and criteria used. For this paper, the categories for the  various tools and techniques are defined as follows:  The ordinance was considered to use a decibel-based standard if it prescribed a decibel level that was not to be exceeded, or a decibel level above ambient noise levels that was not to be exceeded. This category could include frequency weighted and octave band criteria. An ordinance was said to employ decibel noise standards even if the regulation was not comprehensive, that is, ifit regulated only a few specific noise sources. However, vehicle decibel noise limits were not considered in Plainly audible standards were ones in which the noise was regulated based on the audibility or detectability of the noise at either a specified distançe (such as 100 feet) or specified location (such as aj property line or inside al home). Regulations were determined to include a nuisance standard if they specifically mentioned criteria such as nuisance, unreasonable, unnecessary, or disturbing the peace within the noise regulation. Nearly all cities have a disturbing the peace clause outside of the noise regulation which was not considered in this category for Quiet zones and restrictions based on zoning were those regulations that identified Regulations requiring a minimum distance from a property line or receiver were Decibel-based restrictions that varied depending on the time of day, for example, Regulations that specifically prohibited specific noise sources, such as gas-powered Clearly, a community noise regulation could employ some or all oftheabovet techniques. The tools and techniques were investigated with respect to several variables, including population and geographical location. The regions are defined as follows:  this category for this paper.  this paper.  specific areas ofthe town for special protection. considered to employ the setbacks technique.  day or night, were considered to employ time-of-day techniques. leafblowers, for example, were considered to employbans.  Pacific: California, Hawail, Oregon, Washington Mexico, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, Wyoming  West: Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Midwest: Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, Wisconsin South: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Northeast: Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont The number of regulations employing each technique was counted. Various metrics and  West Virginia  criteria were also noted and counted.  3 RESULTS  The most prevalent noise regulatory technique was the nuisance standard, which was contained in 418 of the 491 noise regulations or 85%. Restrictions based on zoning appeared in 320 regulations or 65%. Plainly audible restrictions are the next most popular technique, found in 298 community regulations or 61%. Decibel-based restrictions appeared in 268 of the regulations or  NOISE-CON2016, Providence, Rhode Island, 13-15. June, 2016  2    Preliminary, Results of an. Analysis of491 Community. Noise Ordinances  Blomberg  55%. Time-of-day restrictions occurred in 231 regulations or 47%. Setbacks were found in 174 Noise ordinances tended to rely on several techniques or tools. For example, 237 of the 418 cities that have a nuisance standard also have a decibel standard. Conversely, only 35 cities Concerning decibel-based ordinances by geographical region, Midwestern cities are the least likely to contain a decibel standard (42%) while West Coast/Pacific cities are most likely Most decibel noise ordinances specify a specific instantaneous maximum value. A- weighting is used in 253 ordinançes; C-weighting, in 14 ordinances; and specific octave band limits appear in 28 ordinançes. (Remember that these categories are not mutually exclusive. Ifa noise ordinance has a C-weighted value, it can also have an A-weighted value, for example.) Fast time response is specified in 71 ordinances and slow response is specified in 149 ordinances. (These too are not mutually exclusive, as fast response is sometimes specified for impulsive noise and slow response for continuous noise within the same regulations.) The daytime A-weighted residential noise limits ranged from 50 dBA to 85 dBA (Waco, Texas gets the award for least protective noise regulation). One community uses a 100 dBA value but due to other aspects of the regulation, this is effectively an impulse noise standard. The median value is 60 dBA, and the mode is 55 dBA. The nighttime A-weighted residential noise limits range from 40 dBA to 80 dBA (Waco, Texas again gets the award for least There were 47 communities employing an over ambient standard. Over ambient standards Only 40 communities rely on a Leq metric, and many of those also provide an In the noise ordinances, there is remarkable agreement as to when the day begins, with 83% of the ordinances specifying that time as 7:00 AM. There was greater variation on when night Interestingly, there does not appear to be a correlation between population and decibel noise limits. Smaller cities and towns, however, are: more reliant on nuisance-based standards. There are many questions concerning noise regulation in the United States that are not answered by this paper: There are, for example, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, 19,492 municipal governments, 16,519 township governments and 3,033 county govemments in the United States." The sample of noise regulations discussed in this paper cover approximately one-third of the US population and only slightly more than 1% oft the local government units in the country. The remaining two-thirds of the US population live in the remaining 99% of US communities Moreover, community noise control is based on a combination of noise regulations and noise enforcement. The more interesting question is not "what is in the noise ordinance?" but "what part oft the noise ordinance do police officers rely on when they arei in the field and why?" This paper presents the preliminary results of our research. As more ordinances are added to our database, the results will be updated and revised, and these further questions concerning smaller communities and police enforcement will be explored at the Noise-Con 2016 presentation. If you bring a flash drive to the Noise-Con 2016 presentation, you are welcome to  noise regulations or 35%.  rely on a decibel standard but do not also rely on a nuisance standard.  (61%).  protective noise regulation). The median and mode are both 50 dBA. range from 0-15 dBA over ambient, with the median and mode being 5 dBA. instantaneous value. The Leq time period ranges from 1 minute to 24 hours. began, with a range between 61 PM and midnight, and 72% choosing 101 PM.  4DISCUSSION  which are much smaller than those represented in this study.  copy the entire noise ordinance library at that time. NOISE-CON2016, Providence, Rhode Island, 13-15June, 2016  3    Preliminary. Results ofan Analysis of491 Communily Noise Ordinances  Blomberg  5REFERENCES  1. US Census Bureau, Local Governments and Public School Systems by Type and State: 2007,  ittp/www.censusgovgpvscogSoyorglab0ss.htm.  NOISE-CON2 2016, Providence, Rhode Island, 13-15June, 2016  4