2014-028 - Approving General Plan Amendement No. 2014-01

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City of Santa Ana -Park View at Town and Country Manor Noise Draft OR Based on noise modeling using traffic data contained in the Kimley -Horn and Associates, Inc., June 2009 Traffic Impact Analysis (see Impact 4.5 -3), future noise conditions with and without the project were compared to existing ambient conditions at the project site. Future noise levels for both year 2013 and 2030 with the project would not experience a substantial increase in noise levels of 3 dBA or greater (based on Caltrans standards) when compared with conditions without the project. The land use standards establish the acceptable range of ambient noise levels for residential developments within the City of Santa Ana, as well as for residential uses (applicable to the residences near the project site). The highest future noise level increase predicted for the project is along Lawson Way south of Town and Country Road. The noise level along this roadway segment is estimated to increase by 0.3 dBA CNEL in 2013 and 0.1 dBA CNEL in 2030 with the proposed project, which is below the thresholds of significance described above. The offsite traffic noise impacts would create a less than significant impact. At their closest distance, Amtrak trains run approximately 1,800 feet east of the project site. Farther south along the tracks, there is a train crossing approximately 2,000 feet east of the project site, at which, trains would likely blow their horns for safety purposes. A locomotive can generate noise levels of 80 dBA at 50 feet. According to the Federal Railroad Administration, a locomotive horn can generate noise levels up to 115 dBA at 100 feet. Existing noise from the train horns will affect the new residents of the proposed residential tower even at this larger distance. Using a reduction of 3 dB for every doubling of distance as described on page 4.5 -3, exterior noise levels at the proposed tower would be approximately 65 dBA from passing trains and as high as 103 dBA from horns. Exterior noise levels of 65 dBA for passing trains is within acceptable levels; however, 103 dBA exceeds acceptable levels. Indoor noise levels would be approximately 20 dB less and, similar to exterior noise levels, would be within acceptable standards for passing trains but not for train horns. Although these are existing noise levels that are not generated as a result of the project, the project would introduce sensitive receptors (future residents) to exterior and interior noise levels in excess of applicable standards resulting in a potentially significant impact. Disclosure of existing noise levels to potential residents of the proposed tower will be imposed as a mitigation measure of the project. Although this mitigation would not reduce existing noise levels from train horns, it would ensure that potential residents were informed of the existing condition. Because the noise levels in excess of standards are existing, of a short duration, and would not have adverse health effects, mitigation in the form of disclosure would reduce impacts to less than significant. Levei of Significance Before Mitigation Potentially significant. 4.5 -12 Michael Brandman Associates H\Clievt(PN -Rn) 327b327WMDEMVB270030 Sec0 Noi�.