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Published on 10/27/1999 All articles from this issue

Addressing the increase in neighborhood noise

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By Tim and Maria Larcher

Other Voices

Los Altos is frequently described as a peaceful, rural community and most residents want to keep it that way. As a result, there has been an ongoing debate regarding the newer, two-story homes being developed, the option of one-story overlay zones and the related construction noise. We would like the city council and the Los Altos Homeowners League to consider another dimension as it explores these issues.

We respectfully submit that the continued increase in housing density, along with the recent increase in formal-looking architecture (with stucco rather than sound-absorbing wood), is slowly eroding the rural nature of our community, while also subtly increasing the ambient noise level in our neighborhoods with more untrained dogs, more car trips, more powerful stereos, and (as noted several times in the Town Crier) an increase in people who are simply inconsiderate.

For example, we have noticed an increase in undesirable noise around town - including barking dogs at Andronico's and Starbucks, a rock band, noisy mufflers on cars and motorcycles, children being allowed to scream at the top of their lungs and radios blasting from homes and cars. A recent Wall Street Journal article hints at the possibility of even more neighborhood noise now that outdoor entertainment centers are all the rage.

In addition, it appears that the materials in newer homes, along with the increased asphalt and cement areas, cause sounds to bounce and carry - to the point where we hear radios and conversations as if they were right on our patio.

To say the least, this subtle, yet definite increase in unnecessary noise has significantly and negatively impacted our ability to peacefully enjoy our home and our backyard.

To ensure that Los Altos remains a peaceful (if not rural) community, we would like to encourage the city council, Los Altos Homeowners League, and the police department to explore the following:

Tightening the wording on noise ordinances - for example, define nuisance barking as barking for a total of 15 minutes in any one-hour time frame (thus, eliminating the subjective definition of non-stop vs. intermittent) - then make sure that the police department is willing to enforce the new code.

Developing written materials to distribute to all dog owners at the time the dog license is issued/renewed which clearly describe the responsibility of dog owners as written in Los Altos city code. The responsibility should be placed squarely on the shoulders of the dog owner - not on the neighbor who has to listen to the barking.

Providing clearly - written documentation describing the steps residents could take (and the expected responses from the city and the police department) to resolve chronic noise issues in their neighborhoods.

In chronic situations, offering noise meters which measure and record the time, date, duration, and decibel level of noise that residents may borrow (or rent for a small fee) in order to determine if the noises they are hearing are truly in violation of city ordinances.

Actively pursuing the use of rubberized asphalt on roads to minimize the impact of street noise.

Requiring a "noise impact" and traffic study for every new and/or remodeled home or significant construction or change of use in public parks to ensure that sounds at acceptable decibel levels do not easily "bounce" into neighboring properties - similar to other reports required, such as for energy efficiency and structural integrity.

Encouraging one-story overlay zones with less than the current 22-foot height limit to minimize the surfaces from which noises can bounce into other yards.

Asking for citizen input on other ways to begin to build awareness of the importance of keeping noise levels under control before they grow out of control and we find ourselves living in a more urban rather than suburban or rural environment.

The Larchers are Los Altos residents.