Chapter 19.344 — Development Standards—Environmental Effects

In addition to the requirements of Title 8, the following noise standards shall be met where applicable:

A. Residential Acoustical Design.

1. For all dwelling and group quarters, the development shall be designed to achieve:

   • a. Within each main building, a community noise equivalent level (CNEL) not exceeding forty-five decibels;

   • b. In outdoor areas, a community noise equivalent level (CNEL) not exceeding sixty-five (65) decibels, except that where it is not reasonably possible to achieve this objective, the development shall be designed to provide the lowest noise level reasonably possible within private open areas and/or common usable open areas of at least one hundred (100) square feet per unit, with access to such area available to the residents of each unit.

2. Acoustical design and analysis shall be based upon the projected noise contours as shown in the noise element of the General Plan and Chapter 8.28 of the Buena Park Municipal Code.

• B. Air Conditioning Equipment. Exterior air conditioning equipment, other than self-contained window-mounted units in single-family dwellings, shall have a decibel rating of no more than 60dBA and shall comply with the City's noise standards pursuant to Chapter 8.28 .

• (Ord. 1754, 6/24/2025)

• A. Lighting on any premises shall be directed, controlled, screened, or shaded in such a manner as not to shine or fall directly onto surrounding properties or create glare hazards within public rights-of-way. Where adjacent owners enter into a written agreement, which shall be recorded, for the joint illumination of their premises, their combined properties shall be considered as a single premises for purposes of this regulation.

• B. The use of unshaded clear bulbs in exterior lighting is prohibited. (Ord. 1754, 6/24/2025)

All uses and activities shall be operated and maintained so as not to be hazardous, obnoxious, or offensive due to air pollution, odor, dust, smoke, gas, water pollution, noise, vibration, illumination, glare, electromagnetic disturbance or other radiation, or similar effects detrimental to public health, safety, and welfare. All federal, state, and local laws and regulations concerning environmental protection shall be complied with.

(Ord. 1754, 6/24/2025)