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VHS Super-Inclusive Loudness-Ending Noise-Canceling Efforts
VHS has received noise complaints since moving into our new neighborhood in the Commercial Drive area. Although our building is technically light industrial, it is important to note that our back doors open onto residences and we need to be respectful of our neighbors.
History
April 2nd, 2019, A city inspector named Siobhan O’Toole paid us a visit around lunch time. She let us know that construction noise complaints has been lodged against us. The specific times outlined in the complaints are: Tuesdays, March 9th and 16th, after 9PM and, This Saturday, april 30th after 10 PM
Vancouver City Bylaws
VHS is categorized under I-2 activity zoning.
The following districts, which are more particularly described in the Zoning and Development By-law of the City of Vancouver, constitute part of the Activity Zone:
MC-1 DD IC-3
MC-2 M-2 I-1
M-1 CWD I-2
M-1A IC-1 DE
OD M-1B IC -2
No person shall in an activity zone or an event zone make, cause or permit to be made or caused, continuous sound the sound level of which:
(a) during the daytime exceeds a rating of 70 on an approved sound meter when received at a point of reception within an activity zone or an intermediate zone, or 60 on an approved sound meter when received at a point of reception within a quiet zone; or
(b) during the nighttime exceeds a rating of 65 on an approved sound meter when received at a point of reception within an activity zone or an intermediate zone, or 55 on an approved sound meter when received at a point of reception within a quiet zone.
Day time is defined as :
7am - 10pm on weekdays and satudays
10am -10pm on sunday and holidays
**TLDR:** We cannot exceed 60 during the day as measured from the residential side, and 55 after 10PM
Actions Taken
- We discussed having noisy machinery automatically shut off past 10PM
- We will make our phone number readily available to close neighbors and install a flashing warning system when we get noise complaints
On April 3rd, 2019, Dbynoe suggested bringing in a Radio shack 33-4050 analogue decibel meter to gauge our levels of noise.
On April 5, 2019, MetalJanet and Dbynoe did some measurements the other night. All numbers are in DB measured on the A weighting, slow response, as called for in the bylaw.
- Ambient in back alley 50-54 , 60 when car drives by on woodland.
- Angle grinder 94 @ 20 feet indoors; 61 @ across alley with door closed.
- Table saw and ventilation 93 @ 20 feet indoors; 57@ across alley; 59 @ sidewalk
- With the back doors open an angle grinder exceeds 78 @ 50’ away outside which is prohibited in the bylaw, so no metalworking or loud tools with the doors open please.
Conclusion
VHS strives to be a be a good addition to our neighborhood and wishes to work with the city and private citizens to come up with viable solutions for everyone.