ACOUSTIC DETAILS AND THE NYC NOISE CODE PART 1

ACOUSTIC DETAILS AND THE NYC NOISE CODE PART 1

By William Robert King, R.A. on Feb 24, 2017 10:28:32 AM

ARCHITECTURE WORK PC

William Robert King, R.A.

Part I

 QUES – What kind of “Code” is this and where do I find it?

ANS – The NYC Noise Code (2007 & later updates) are found on the City’s various websites, specifically NYC.gov/Buildings. This is more of a “performance code” than a “prescriptive” code, unfortunately for most design professionals. This means that regardless of what we design & build, the “acid test” so to speak for the design and of Code compliance is as measured at the source of a particular complaint.  Here the Code is more specific as to what maximum level of “sound energy” is allowed for specific site of place.  Going over those limits is a violation of the Code.

QUES – Who enforces this Code and what happens in the event of a violation?

ANS – Most likely a complaint is investigated by either NYCDOB (Department of Buildings) or DEP (Department of Environmental Protection) depending on the nature of the complaint – maybe even NYCPD (Police Department). The first official on the site may simply ask the neighbor to turn down the music, stop the jack hammering after hours (Buildings Department) or fix the excess mechanical noise (DEP).  This is usually sorted out through the 311 system as to the nature of the complaint. If the solution is more complicated, the parties will try & see if there is some way to mitigate the sound back to prescribed levels.