Entering the Quiet Zone: Noise Compatible Land Use Planning
Why Use Noise Compatible Land Use Planning Now?
Communities across the country are seeking non-traditional solutions to traditional
challenges. Effective planning before development occurs can help create
more livable communities, with improved aesthetics and a greater sense
of openness. Municipalities and developers can benefit from noise compatible
land use planning--and, almost always, the benefits will far outweigh
the initial costs. If communities want to eliminate that "walled
in" feeling from the use of noise barriers, this noise reduction
strategy will be a good fit.
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Residential neighborhood separated from highway
traffic noise by space and terrain.
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Some communities are beginning to reexamine the use of noise barriers
for this reason and due to a loss of visibility for commercial establishments.
Residents can be happier, and complaints about noise can go down.
Limited highway funds can be used for needs other than noise abatement.
Developers can market "quiet developments" and can recover
additional development costs in sales and rental prices.
Noise barriers are often perceived as an answer to eliminating
or reducing highway traffic noise impacts. Many miles and types
of barriers have been constructed over the years. However, there
are indications that Federal and State funding that finance noise
barriers may be restricted. In fact, Federal legislation has already
been enacted to prohibit participation in the construction of most
noise barriers for new development that occurs next to existing
highways.*
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* For more information about legislation, see Title 23 of the Code of Federal Regulations, 23 CFR 772.13(b).
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