Regulating Noise Near Residences

Challenges and considerations of setting decibels limits in your noise ordinance

While a good decibel standard can prevent most pickleball noise problems, decibel standards are among the least utilized and most difficult to enforce noise regulatory tools.  Decibel level standards are often a tool of last resort for enforcement, but should be included in zoning regulations for developers' design criteria. 

• The perception of decibel levels can be psychological. Residents may not understand the practical impact of a 10-decibel increase

• Interpreting decibel readings and applying Corrections for Impulsive Sounds is complex

• Due to enforcement challenges, communities should rely on easier-to-enforce regulatory tools such as distance setbacks and plainly audible restrictions

Sound level meters and law enforcement

Law enforcement agencies use sound level meters to objectively measure noise levels in response to complaints and to enforce local ordinances. 

• Procedure: Officers will usually calibrate the sound level meter before taking measurements. They will position the microphone at a specific height and distance from reflective surfaces as per the local ordinance or standard procedure. Multiple measurements might be taken and averaged.

• Equipment: While Class 1 meters offer superior accuracy, Class 2 sound level meters are the more practical and commonly used tool for general noise enforcement by most law enforcement agencies. They provide sufficient accuracy for typical noise ordinance violations at a more reasonable cost and with greater ease of use in the field.

• Measurement Parameters: When taking measurements, officers typically use the "A-weighting" (dBA) on the sound level meter, which filters the sound to approximate human hearing sensitivity.