Standards for the AN: Airport Noise Exposure Overlay in Reno
The AN: Airport Noise Exposure overlay in the City of Reno mandates that noise-sensitive developments, such as residences and schools, achieve a maximum interior noise level of 45 dBA DNL through verified construction methods. Properties located within the 65 dBA DNL noise contour must also incorporate mandatory air conditioning systems in all dwelling units. Additionally, any new construction or expansion exceeding 45 feet in height within designated airport airspace zones requires formal documentation of review by the Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority.
Applicability of the AN Overlay
The City of Reno applies the AN: Airport Noise Exposure overlay to ensure that appropriate construction methods are used to mitigate the impacts of aircraft noise on sensitive land uses near the Reno-Tahoe International and Reno-Stead Airports [Section 18.02.602(b)(1)].
The standards of this overlay district modify the requirements for the following specific use types:
- Residential development (including multi-family dwellings);
- Hospitals;
- Religious assemblies;
- Schools;
- Offices; and
- The office portions of industrial or commercial uses [Section 18.02.602(b)(2)(a)].
Noise Attenuation and Construction Requirements
The City of Reno enforces specific technical requirements based on established noise contour maps for Reno-Tahoe International Airport. Developers must provide a list of construction methods, verified by a qualified acoustical consultant, demonstrating how the project will achieve the required interior noise levels prior to the issuance of a building permit [Section 18.02.602(b)(2)(b)].
Technical Standards for Noise Mitigation
| Condition | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Interior Noise Limit | Maximum 45 dBA DNL [Section 18.02.602(b)(2)(b)] |
| 80 dBA Lmax Contour | Submission of consultant-verified noise attenuation construction methods [Section 18.02.602(b)(2)(b)] |
| 1998 65 dBA DNL Contour | Submission of consultant-verified noise attenuation methods AND mandatory incorporation of air conditioning systems in all dwelling units [Section 18.02.602(b)(2)(c)] |
| Multi-Family General Standard | Mandatory air conditioning when units are located under Reno-Tahoe or Reno-Stead airspace [Section 18.03.302(a)(3)(a)(3)] |
Building Height and Safety Review
The AN: Airport Noise Exposure overlay also regulates the height of structures to protect flight paths. Within the City of Reno, any new construction or expansion of an existing structure that exceeds a height of 45 feet above ground level is subject to additional oversight if located within the FAR Part 77 Airspace maps for Reno-Tahoe International or Reno-Stead Airports [Section 18.02.602(b)(3)(a)].
Property owners must provide documentation to the City of Reno proving that their plans have been submitted to the Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority before any building permit will be issued for structures exceeding this 45-foot threshold [Section 18.02.602(b)(3)(b)].
Sections Cited
- Section 18.02.602, General Overlay Districts
- Section 18.03.302, Residential Uses