Comments for Austin Noise http://austinnoise.org Discussion on community noise in Austin, Texas Tue, 13 Jul 2010 21:53:13 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0 Comment on Things that are wrong with the Austin Noise Ordinance by Chad Himmel http://austinnoise.org/2009/08/22/things-that-are-wrong-with-the-austin-noise-ordinance/comment-page-1/#comment-337 Chad Himmel Tue, 13 Jul 2010 21:53:13 +0000 http://austinnoise.org/?p=5#comment-337 There is also this section under the general land use development standards. This seems to be the only section the term "db" is used. § 25-2-1067 DESIGN REGULATIONS (B) The noise level of mechanical equipment may not exceed 70 db at the property line. There is also this section under the general land use development standards. This seems to be the only section the term “db” is used.

§ 25-2-1067 DESIGN REGULATIONS
(B) The noise level of mechanical equipment may not exceed 70 db at the property line.

]]> Comment on About AustinNoise.org by Tim Hoffman http://austinnoise.org/about/comment-page-1/#comment-269 Tim Hoffman Tue, 22 Jun 2010 15:51:21 +0000 http://austinnoise.org/?page_id=2#comment-269 Sorry to say but sometimes Austin is just backwards. They attack people making music and allow ear protection wearing gardeners with leaf blowers to do anything they want. Ref: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leaf_blower Noise pollution is also a concern with leaf blowers. Soon after the leaf blower was introduced into the U.S., its use was banned in two California cities, Carmel-by-the-Sea in 1975 and Beverly Hills in 1978, as a noise nuisance. There are currently twenty California cities that have banned leaf blowers, sometimes only within residential neighborhoods and usually targeting gasoline-powered equipment. Another 80 cities have ordinances on the books restricting either usage or noise level or both. Nationwide, three states, Arizona, Hawaii and New Jersey, have considered laws at the state level, and five other states have at least one city with a leaf blower ordinance.[citation needed] In response to criticisms manufactures have significantly reduced the noise of modern leaf blowers. Many models now produce less than 65 dB following the measurement guidelines of ANSI B175.2-2002. In 2005 Echo announced that most leaf blowers were 75% quieter than 10 years ago.[3] Sorry to say but sometimes Austin is just backwards. They attack people making music and allow ear protection wearing gardeners with leaf blowers to do anything they want.

Ref: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leaf_blower
Noise pollution is also a concern with leaf blowers. Soon after the leaf blower was introduced into the U.S., its use was banned in two California cities, Carmel-by-the-Sea in 1975 and Beverly Hills in 1978, as a noise nuisance. There are currently twenty California cities that have banned leaf blowers, sometimes only within residential neighborhoods and usually targeting gasoline-powered equipment. Another 80 cities have ordinances on the books restricting either usage or noise level or both. Nationwide, three states, Arizona, Hawaii and New Jersey, have considered laws at the state level, and five other states have at least one city with a leaf blower ordinance.[citation needed] In response to criticisms manufactures have significantly reduced the noise of modern leaf blowers. Many models now produce less than 65 dB following the measurement guidelines of ANSI B175.2-2002. In 2005 Echo announced that most leaf blowers were 75% quieter than 10 years ago.[3]

]]> Comment on Latest Change to Noise Ordinance is Not Equitable by Shan http://austinnoise.org/2009/11/12/latest-change-to-noise-ordinance-is-not-equitable/comment-page-1/#comment-221 Shan Mon, 07 Jun 2010 23:37:10 +0000 http://austinnoise.org/?p=158#comment-221 Where can i locate this law as it applies to lake Austin? I have searched but to no avail. Also, does anyone know of a map off Austin city limits.. ie: where this jurisdiction ends. Im considering applying for a permit every weekend I plan to go to the lake in order to demonstrate the frivolity of this law. Im pretty sure my engine AND my stereo AND people talking on my boat all violate this law. Thanks alot Where can i locate this law as it applies to lake Austin? I have searched but to no avail. Also, does anyone know of a map off Austin city limits.. ie: where this jurisdiction ends. Im considering applying for a permit every weekend I plan to go to the lake in order to demonstrate the frivolity of this law. Im pretty sure my engine AND my stereo AND people talking on my boat all violate this law.

Thanks alot

]]> Comment on Decibel Flavors Part 1 – L Values by Joshua Leasure http://austinnoise.org/2010/02/03/decibel-flavors-part-1-l-values/comment-page-1/#comment-173 Joshua Leasure Mon, 17 May 2010 15:24:43 +0000 http://austinnoise.org/?p=219#comment-173 Determining Ln values from a data set isn't too difficult, though it's tedious, so the percentile function would certainly make that task more simpe ("percentile" is another term used to describe statistical values). The trick is actually collecting the data. Generally the types of sound level meters that can collect the type of data appropriate for determining Ln already have Ln functionality built in. Determining Ln values from a data set isn’t too difficult, though it’s tedious, so the percentile function would certainly make that task more simpe (“percentile” is another term used to describe statistical values). The trick is actually collecting the data. Generally the types of sound level meters that can collect the type of data appropriate for determining Ln already have Ln functionality built in.

]]> Comment on Decibel Flavors Part 1 – L Values by David http://austinnoise.org/2010/02/03/decibel-flavors-part-1-l-values/comment-page-1/#comment-172 David Mon, 17 May 2010 15:20:08 +0000 http://austinnoise.org/?p=219#comment-172 Joshua: Thanks, I discovered a function / formula in Excel that calculates L10 and L90 automagically from a data set It is the "percentile" function. Joshua:
Thanks, I discovered a function / formula in Excel that calculates L10 and L90 automagically from a data set

It is the “percentile” function.

]]> Comment on About AustinNoise.org by John http://austinnoise.org/about/comment-page-1/#comment-160 John Mon, 10 May 2010 17:34:27 +0000 http://austinnoise.org/?page_id=2#comment-160 Thanks for the quick and informative reply. I'll go with normal 311 complaints unless it seems they continuously show up 2 hours later after they've finished playing. If it comes to it, I'll consider purchasing a cheap SPL meter and documenting the issue as you suggest. Thanks for the quick and informative reply. I’ll go with normal 311 complaints unless it seems they continuously show up 2 hours later after they’ve finished playing. If it comes to it, I’ll consider purchasing a cheap SPL meter and documenting the issue as you suggest.

]]> Comment on About AustinNoise.org by Joshua Leasure http://austinnoise.org/about/comment-page-1/#comment-159 Joshua Leasure Mon, 10 May 2010 17:13:36 +0000 http://austinnoise.org/?page_id=2#comment-159 Hello John, My e-mail is joshua@austinnoise.org. One of my main complaints about the Austin noise ordinance is that it is piecemeal and inconsistent. It is sometimes difficult to find the answer to what would seem to be a simple question. Both interpretations are correct. The No Noise website has the same ordinance that I drew my summary from, although it is probably an older version. Generally, people playing music at their home wouldn't apply for a permit and wouldn't need one if they were meeting the requirements of the ordinance. The sections that I think are most applicable to your situation are 9-2-5(B): <blockquote>[In a residential area,] a person may not use sound equipment that produces sound audible beyond the property line of a residence in a residential area between 10:00 p.m. and 10:00 a.m.</blockquote> and 9-2-5(C): <blockquote>[In a residential area,] a person may not use sound equipment audible beyond the property line of a residence in a residential area that produces sound in excess of 75 decibels.</blockquote> It is almost certain that a band practicing in their yard causes levels to exceed 75 dBA on their property line, so you are probably in the right to complain. There is some confusion about whether you should dial 911 or 311 for a noise complaint, but what I've read so far leads me to suggest dialing 911 while the band is practicing. If any officers come to investigate the complaint, they will probably have a sound level meter with them. Whether they choose to use it, I don't know. I would guess they would just make a judgement call. If the band is loud enough, using the meter is probably not necessary. Violation of the noise ordinance is a misdemeanor and an officer can choose to write a ticket for the offender. Most likely, though, they will issue a warning. From what I've observed, they usually issue several warnings before writing a ticket. You may need to be persistent, but I think this is likely to lead to a resolution. If a series of complaints to the police fails to stop the problem, your next step might be to document sound levels caused by the band at the property line and present your findings to the City Code Compliance Department. With strong evidence that a code is being violated, they may work with you and your neighbor towards some sort of resolution. Good luck! And let us know how it turns out. -Joshua Hello John,

My e-mail is joshua@austinnoise.org.

One of my main complaints about the Austin noise ordinance is that it is piecemeal and inconsistent. It is sometimes difficult to find the answer to what would seem to be a simple question.

Both interpretations are correct. The No Noise website has the same ordinance that I drew my summary from, although it is probably an older version. Generally, people playing music at their home wouldn’t apply for a permit and wouldn’t need one if they were meeting the requirements of the ordinance.

The sections that I think are most applicable to your situation are 9-2-5(B):

[In a residential area,] a person may not use sound equipment that produces sound audible beyond the property line of a residence in a residential area between 10:00 p.m. and 10:00 a.m.

and 9-2-5(C):

[In a residential area,] a person may not use sound equipment audible beyond the property line of a residence in a residential area that produces sound in excess of 75 decibels.

It is almost certain that a band practicing in their yard causes levels to exceed 75 dBA on their property line, so you are probably in the right to complain. There is some confusion about whether you should dial 911 or 311 for a noise complaint, but what I’ve read so far leads me to suggest dialing 911 while the band is practicing.

If any officers come to investigate the complaint, they will probably have a sound level meter with them. Whether they choose to use it, I don’t know. I would guess they would just make a judgement call. If the band is loud enough, using the meter is probably not necessary.

Violation of the noise ordinance is a misdemeanor and an officer can choose to write a ticket for the offender. Most likely, though, they will issue a warning. From what I’ve observed, they usually issue several warnings before writing a ticket. You may need to be persistent, but I think this is likely to lead to a resolution.

If a series of complaints to the police fails to stop the problem, your next step might be to document sound levels caused by the band at the property line and present your findings to the City Code Compliance Department. With strong evidence that a code is being violated, they may work with you and your neighbor towards some sort of resolution.

Good luck! And let us know how it turns out.

-Joshua

]]> Comment on About AustinNoise.org by John http://austinnoise.org/about/comment-page-1/#comment-158 John Mon, 10 May 2010 16:43:01 +0000 http://austinnoise.org/?page_id=2#comment-158 First of all, sorry for the long comment, I couldn't find an e-mail address. Thanks for the website, I may find it useful in the short-term future. I have a neighbor who recently moved their band's practice space from within their home to their backyard. I talked to them about the noise bothering me a few days ago, but nothing seems to be coming of that and so I feel as though I have no recourse but to begin reporting it as the noise ordinance violations I believe it is. I am confused though, when you summarize the noise ordinance, you point out that a residence cannot create noise above 75dBa (measured from property line) at any time, and no noise audible from beyond their property after 10pm. I have also read that any person making noise that is audible in public requires a permit. If a neighbor is amplifying noise to the point where I can hear it clearly in my home, it follows that it is audible in public (the street). I am getting the conflicting information from the following link, which may be outdated anyway... http://www.nonoise.org/lawlib/cities/austin.htm If the former is the correct interpretation, then what is my recourse. If I call a noise complaint while they are practicing and the police arrive, do they have equipment to measure the noise at the property line or do they just make a judgment call? I'm assuming they make a judgment call. If this becomes an ongoing issue, should I invest in equipment to measure noise levels in order to demonstrate this to responding officers? Do officers ever have the authority to fine residential tenants if there is an ongoing issue and they choose to continue? I feel at a loss, I've dealt with being slightly irritated by my neighbors band practicing in the home, but now the noise level is at an unreasonable level where I can clearly hear music in half of my home and it sounds as if I live next door to a venue. I tried speaking with them, but like I said, nothing came of this, and I don't feel like I should have to move to the suburbs or out of the self-proclaimed live music capital of the world just so that I don't have to listen to band practice several times a week. -John First of all, sorry for the long comment, I couldn’t find an e-mail address. Thanks for the website, I may find it useful in the short-term future. I have a neighbor who recently moved their band’s practice space from within their home to their backyard. I talked to them about the noise bothering me a few days ago, but nothing seems to be coming of that and so I feel as though I have no recourse but to begin reporting it as the noise ordinance violations I believe it is. I am confused though, when you summarize the noise ordinance, you point out that a residence cannot create noise above 75dBa (measured from property line) at any time, and no noise audible from beyond their property after 10pm. I have also read that any person making noise that is audible in public requires a permit. If a neighbor is amplifying noise to the point where I can hear it clearly in my home, it follows that it is audible in public (the street). I am getting the conflicting information from the following link, which may be outdated anyway…

http://www.nonoise.org/lawlib/cities/austin.htm

If the former is the correct interpretation, then what is my recourse. If I call a noise complaint while they are practicing and the police arrive, do they have equipment to measure the noise at the property line or do they just make a judgment call? I’m assuming they make a judgment call. If this becomes an ongoing issue, should I invest in equipment to measure noise levels in order to demonstrate this to responding officers? Do officers ever have the authority to fine residential tenants if there is an ongoing issue and they choose to continue?

I feel at a loss, I’ve dealt with being slightly irritated by my neighbors band practicing in the home, but now the noise level is at an unreasonable level where I can clearly hear music in half of my home and it sounds as if I live next door to a venue. I tried speaking with them, but like I said, nothing came of this, and I don’t feel like I should have to move to the suburbs or out of the self-proclaimed live music capital of the world just so that I don’t have to listen to band practice several times a week.

-John

]]> Comment on Decibel Flavors Part 1 – L Values by seti http://austinnoise.org/2010/02/03/decibel-flavors-part-1-l-values/comment-page-1/#comment-153 seti Wed, 05 May 2010 08:45:28 +0000 http://austinnoise.org/?p=219#comment-153 hello hye.. joshua thanks alot for details explaination..u're really help me to find out the L10, L90 and Ln manually. actually for noise level measurement i used sound level meter and the value will appear digitally but for manually, if we can't read the Leq so we can use L10 L90 l50 to calculate Leq,is that right joshua? good jobs dear. hello hye..
joshua
thanks alot for details explaination..u’re really help me to find out the L10, L90 and Ln manually.
actually for noise level measurement i used sound level meter and the value will appear digitally
but for manually, if we can’t read the Leq so we can use L10 L90 l50 to calculate Leq,is that right joshua?
good jobs dear.

]]> Comment on About AustinNoise.org by Loud Recycle info « Loudrecycle's Blog http://austinnoise.org/about/comment-page-1/#comment-142 Loud Recycle info « Loudrecycle's Blog Wed, 28 Apr 2010 22:44:04 +0000 http://austinnoise.org/?page_id=2#comment-142 [...] From: austinnoise.org [...] [...] From: austinnoise.org [...]

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