Agenda - Planning Commission - 11/01/2007

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Summary of Sound Research- Motocross Ramsey's City Code limits daytime sound discharges to 60 db(A) (with an LlO rating) . and 65 db(A) (with an L50 rating) in residential areas. LI0 is described as the level of sound reached at 10% of a continuous period of sound. LSO is described as the average level of sound 50% of a continuous period of sound.. It does not represent peak or maximum sound levels. City Code does not have limits to peak sounds levels, with exception to LI0and L50 ratings. The submitted sound research was conducted by David Braslau, PhD of Engineering, and Pre.sident of David Brasalu Associates, Inc, a fIrm that has conducted many projects with regard to Environmental Noise and Land Use Compatibility. The study only examined L 1 0 rating levels. The conditions under which this study was conducted were described as having little topographical or vegetative barriers to the sound levels. The following fIndings are reported, which. regard to a motocross track in Northern Minnesota (Annandale ): . LI0 db(A) levels only exceed 60 db(A) at distances under 500 feet away when three or more bikes are moving at once. . From a distance of 1,200 feet, LlO db (A) levels only exceed 60 db (A) when 24 bikes are being driven (extrapolated data). . The 13 residential properties, ranging in 1,200 to 3,700 feet from the track, varied from 47 to 56 db (A) at an LI0 rating for 6 bikes driven at once. . In evidence produced in a civil action suit, Angerman vs. Budck, 104 plantiffs (neighbors of a rac'etrack in Ohio) proved to the Court that the motocross in their neighborhood was a nuisance, none 9fwhom were closer than l,OOO feet from the racetrack. The following fIndings were made of an expert witness for the plaintiffs. . Noise levels reached a maximum of 72 db(A} with the level being 65 on many occasions during the sound testing period. This house was approximately 1,000 feet from the track. . Noise levels reached a maximum of 67~ 61, and 56 db (A) at various other locations in this court case, all of which were farther than 1,000 feet. However, the court determined that these levels constituted nuisances. . The following is an excerpt from the case: Plaintiff Lori Faught who has lived at 1964 Sherck Boulevardfor three years testified that she and her husband, Michael, who is also a Plaintiff, live on a tree-covered 50 acre lot about 4,000 feet from the race course. They selected the site because of its proximity to the city of Wooster and the quietness the area provided. Richey testified that her use and enjoyment of her home has been affected by the use of the track. She stated that there was a great deal of noise from the race way in August (2001) and that the sound of the motorcycles was disappointing and irritating and could be heard from inside her home even though . all windows were shut. . 24