HomeMy WebLinkAboutAppendix J - Noise and Vibration ReportMay 2025
NOISE AND VIBRATION IMPACT ANALYSIS
CITRUS WALK RESIDENTIAL PROJECT
FONTANA, CALIFORNIA
May 2025
NOISE AND VIBRATION IMPACT ANALYSIS
CITRUS WALK RESIDENTIAL PROJECT
FONTANA, CALIFORNIA
Submitted to:
Megan Rupard
EPD Solutions, Inc.
3333 Michelson Drive, Suite 500
Irvine, California 92612
Prepared by:
LSA
3210 El Camino Real, Suite 100
Irvine, California 92602
(949) 553-0666
Project No. ESL2201.102
N OISE AND V IBRATION I MPACT A NALYSIS
M AY 2025
C ITRUS W ALK R ESIDENTIAL P ROJECT
F ONTANA, C ALIFORNIA
P:\A-E\ESL2201.102\Product\Citrus Walk Residential N&V Report_05122025.docx «05/12/25» i
TABLE OF CONTENTS
TABLE OF CONTENTS ............................................................................................................................... i
FIGURES AND TABLES ............................................................................................................................. ii
LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS ............................................................................................ iii
INTRODUCTION .......................................................................................................... 5
Project Location And Description .................................................................................................. 5
Existing Land Uses In The Project Area ......................................................................................... 5
Rancho Fontana Specific Plan ....................................................................................................... 8
NOISE AND VIBRATION FUNDAMENTALS .................................................................... 9
Characteristics of Sound ................................................................................................................ 9
Measurement of Sound................................................................................................................. 9
Physiological Effects of Noise ........................................................................................................... 10
Fundamentals of Vibration .......................................................................................................... 12
REGULATORY SETTING .............................................................................................. 14
Applicable Noise Standards ......................................................................................................... 14
California Code of Regulations ......................................................................................................... 14
City of Fontana ................................................................................................................................. 14
Federal Transit Administration ......................................................................................................... 16
Applicable Vibration Standards ................................................................................................... 16
Federal Transit Administration ......................................................................................................... 16
California Department of Transportation ......................................................................................... 17
OVERVIEW OF THE EXISTING NOISE ENVIRONMENT .................................................. 18
Ambient Noise Measurements ................................................................................................... 18
Long-Term Noise Measurements ..................................................................................................... 18
Existing Aircraft Noise ................................................................................................................. 18
PROJECT IMPACT ANALYSIS ...................................................................................... 20
Short-Term Construction Noise Impacts ..................................................................................... 20
Short-Term Construction Vibration Impacts ............................................................................... 23
Long-Term Off-Site Traffic Noise Impacts ................................................................................... 25
Stationary Operational Noise Impacts to Off-Site Receivers ...................................................... 26
Long-Term Traffic-Related Vibration Impacts ............................................................................. 26
LAND USE COMPATIBILITY ........................................................................................ 27
Exterior Noise Assessment .......................................................................................................... 27
Interior Noise Assessment........................................................................................................... 27
BEST CONSTRUCTION PRACTICES .............................................................................. 29
REFERENCES ............................................................................................................. 30
APPENDICES
A: NOISE MONITORING DATA
B: CONSTRUCTION NOISE CALCULATIONS
N OISE AND V IBRATION I MPACT A NALYSIS
M AY 2025
C ITRUS W ALK R ESIDENTIAL P ROJECT
F ONTANA, C ALIFORNIA
P:\A-E\ESL2201.102\Product\Citrus Walk Residential N&V Report_05122025.docx «05/12/25» ii
FIGURES AND TABLES
FIGURES
Figure 1: Project Location ....................................................................................................................... 6
Figure 2: Site Plan ................................................................................................................................... 7
Figure 3: Noise Monitoring Locations .................................................................................................. 19
TABLES
Table A: Definitions of Acoustical Terms .............................................................................................. 11
Table B: Common Sound Levels and Their Noise Sources.................................................................... 12
Table C: Noise Standards ...................................................................................................................... 15
Table D: Detailed Assessment Daytime Construction Noise Criteria ................................................... 16
Table E: Interpretation of Vibration Criteria for Detailed Analysis ...................................................... 16
Table F: Construction Vibration Damage Criteria ................................................................................. 17
Table G: Long-Term Ambient Noise Level Measurements ................................................................... 18
Table H: Typical Construction Equipment Noise Levels ....................................................................... 21
Table I: Potential Construction Noise Impacts at Nearest Receptor .................................................... 22
Table J: Vibration Source Amplitudes for Construction Equipment ..................................................... 24
Table K: Potential Construction Vibration Annoyance Impacts at Nearest Receptor .......................... 24
Table L: Potential Construction Vibration Damage Impacts at Nearest Receptor ............................... 25
N OISE AND V IBRATION I MPACT A NALYSIS
M AY 2025
C ITRUS W ALK R ESIDENTIAL P ROJECT
F ONTANA, C ALIFORNIA
P:\A-E\ESL2201.102\Product\Citrus Walk Residential N&V Report_05122025.docx «05/12/25» iii
LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS
ADT average daily trips
ALUC Airport Land Use Compatibility
Caltrans California Department of Transportation
Caltrans Manual California Department of Transportation’s Transportation and
Construction Vibration Guidance Manual
CEQA California Environmental Quality Act
City City of Fontana
CNEL Community Noise Equivalent Level
dBA A-weighted decibel(s)
EIR Environmental Impact Report
FHWA Federal Highway Administration
ft foot/feet
FTA Federal Transit Administration
FTA Manual Federal Transit Administration’s Transit Noise and Vibration Impact
Assessment Manual
HVAC heating, ventilation, and air conditioning
I-15 Interstate 15
in/sec inch/inches per second
Ldn day-night average noise level
Leq equivalent continuous sound level
Lmax maximum instantaneous sound level
mi mile/miles
Noise Element City of Fontana General Plan Noise Element
ONT Ontario International Airport
PPV peak particle velocity
project Citrus Walk Residential Project
N OISE AND V IBRATION I MPACT A NALYSIS
M AY 2025
C ITRUS W ALK R ESIDENTIAL P ROJECT
F ONTANA, C ALIFORNIA
P:\A-E\ESL2201.102\Product\Citrus Walk Residential N&V Report_05122025.docx «05/12/25» iv
RFSP Rancho Fontana Specific Plan
RMS root-mean-square
R-PC Residential Planned Community
SR-210 State Route 210
VdB vibration velocity decibels
N OISE AND V IBRATION I MPACT A NALYSIS
M AY 2025
C ITRUS W ALK R ESIDENTIAL P ROJECT
F ONTANA, C ALIFORNIA
P:\A-E\ESL2201.102\Product\Citrus Walk Residential N&V Report_05122025.docx «05/12/25» 5
INTRODUCTION
This noise and vibration impact analysis has been prepared to evaluate the potential noise and
vibration impacts and reduction measures associated with the proposed Citrus Walk Residential
Project (project) in Fontana, California. This report is intended to satisfy the City of Fontana’s (City)
requirement for a project-specific noise impact analysis by examining the impacts of the project site
and by evaluating reduction measures that the project may require.
PROJECT LOCATION AND DESCRIPTION
The 4.03-acre project site is located within the central portion of Fontana, southwest of the
intersection of Baseline Avenue and Lime Avenue (Assessor’s Parcel Number [APN 1110-171-02]), in
Fontana, San Bernardino County, California. The project site has a General Plan land use designation
of Residential Planned Community (R-PC). The project is zoned Rancho Fontana Specific Plan (RFSP).
Within the RFSP, the site is within Planning Area 18 which is currently designated as Low Density
Residential. The project site is currently undeveloped and will be accessible via State Route 210 (SR-
210), Interstate 15 (I-15), and US Route 66. See Figure 1 and Figure 2 below.
The proposed project would construct 54 single-family attached residential units on the 4.03-acre
site, which would result in a density of 13.4 dwelling units per acre. The residences would be
grouped into two building configurations consisting of a triplex and a six-unit building. The units
would be separated into four different unit plans and would have two to four bedrooms and two to
two and a half bathrooms. The units would range in size from 925 to 1,668 square feet (sf).
The project would provide a total of 37,048 sf (0.85 acres) of open space. Of this, 13,368 sf would be
private and 23,680 sf would be common open space. The units average approximately 247 sf of
private open space. Additionally, a 6,400-sf common recreation space inclusive of a covered play
structure, bench seating, covered picnic tables, and barbeque grills is proposed in the southeast
portion of the site.
Construction activities for the project would occur over one phase lasting approximately 24 months,
beginning September 2025 and ending September 2027. Construction would occur in the following
stages: (1) site preparation and grading, (2) building construction, (3) paving, and (4) architectural
coatings. Construction would occur within the hours allowed by the City of Fontana Municipal Code
Section 18-63, which states that construction shall occur only between the hours of 7:00 a.m. to
6:00 p.m., Monday to Friday, and between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. on Saturdays.
EXISTING LAND USES IN THE PROJECT AREA
The project site is surrounded primarily by residential uses. The areas adjacent to the project site
include the following uses:
• North: Existing single-family residences opposite Baseline Avenue
• East: Existing single-family residences opposite Lime Avenue
• South: Existing single-family residences
• West: Existing single-family residences opposite Orlando Drive
&LWUXV:DON5HVLGHQWLDO3URMHFW
&LW\RI)RQWDQD
&RQFHSWXDO6LWH3ODQ
Figure
OR
L
A
N
D
O
D
R
BASELI
NE AVE
LI
M
E
AV
E
****
RECREATI
ONAL
SPACE
6,400
sq.ft.
1
8
1
2
4 5
OPEN
SPAC
E
3,424
sq.ft.
OPEN
SPAC
E
3,968
sq.ft.
*
2 6'
3
0'2
6'
2
'
2
'
25
.3'
2
6'
2
'
2
'
15
.1
'
1 5'
15
.1
'
8
'
72
.7'
2
8'
30
.3'
3
0'
17
.7'
1 5'
23
.6'
15'
30
.9'
5 '
3.7'
2 4'
8
'
5 '
11
.5
'
1 9'
6.5'
1 1 1 1 1 1
29
.7'
1 1 1 1 1 1
8
'
1
4'
8
'
15
.2'
8
'8
'
1
2'
8
'
19
.1'
14
.
8
'
O
.S.1,3
95sq.
ft.
O
.S.2,2
64sq.
ft.
O
.S.1,1
11sq.
ft.
O
.S.2,5
58sq.
ft.
O
.S.2,5
59sq.
ft.
8
'
N
0 1
5
3
0
6
0
NOT TO SCALE
FIGURE 2
I:\E\ESL2201.102\G\Site_Plan.ai (2/10/2025)
SOURCE: City of Fontana
Citrus Walk Residential
Site Plan
N OISE AND V IBRATION I MPACT A NALYSIS
M AY 2025
C ITRUS W ALK R ESIDENTIAL P ROJECT
F ONTANA, C ALIFORNIA
P:\A-E\ESL2201.102\Product\Citrus Walk Residential N&V Report_05122025.docx «05/12/25» 8
The closest sensitive receptors to the project site include single-family homes located immediately
adjacent from the project site southern boundary approximately 5 feet away.
RANCHO FONTANA SPECIFIC PLAN
As identified above, the project site is within the RFSP area. The RFSP Environmental Impact Report
(EIR) identified the following mitigation measure that would apply to the proposed project and that
would help to reduce and avoid potential impacts related to noise and vibration:
Noise Where the anticipated noise level is anticipated to exceed that normally
acceptable under State Guidelines for the adjacent land use, a detailed
acoustical analysis should be undertaken to determine the specific
impacts and mitigation measure required, prior to finalization of the
tract map in question. Mitigation measures available include special
design and construction features in the buildings themselves or the
construction of barriers, e.g., walls and/or earthen berms, between
structures and the noise source.
N OISE AND V IBRATION I MPACT A NALYSIS
M AY 2025
C ITRUS W ALK R ESIDENTIAL P ROJECT
F ONTANA, C ALIFORNIA
P:\A-E\ESL2201.102\Product\Citrus Walk Residential N&V Report_05122025.docx «05/12/25» 9
NOISE AND VIBRATION FUNDAMENTALS
CHARACTERISTICS OF SOUND
Noise is usually defined as unwanted sound. Noise consists of any sound that may produce
physiological or psychological damage and/or interfere with communication, work, rest, recreation,
and sleep.
To the human ear, sound has two significant characteristics: pitch and loudness. Pitch is generally an
annoyance, while loudness can affect the ability to hear. Pitch is the number of complete vibrations,
or cycles per second, of a sound wave, which results in the tone’s range from high to low. Loudness
is the strength of a sound, and it describes a noisy or quiet environment; it is measured by the
amplitude of the sound wave. Loudness is determined by the intensity of the sound waves
combined with the reception characteristics of the human ear. Sound intensity is the average rate of
sound energy transmitted through a unit area perpendicular to the direction in which the sound
waves are traveling. This characteristic of sound can be precisely measured with instruments. The
analysis of a project defines the noise environment of the project area in terms of sound intensity
and its effect on adjacent sensitive land uses.
MEASUREMENT OF SOUND
Sound intensity is measured with the A-weighted decibel (dBA) scale to correct for the relative
frequency response of the human ear. That is, an A-weighted noise level de-emphasizes low and
very high frequencies of sound, similar to the human ear’s de-emphasis of these frequencies.
Decibels (dB), unlike the linear scale (e.g., inches or pounds), are measured on a logarithmic scale
representing points on a sharply rising curve.
For example, 10 dB is 10 times more intense than 0 dB, 20 dB is 100 times more intense than 0 dB,
and 30 dB is 1,000 times more intense than 0 dB. Thirty decibels (30 dB) represents 1,000 times as
much acoustic energy as 0 dB. The decibel scale increases as the square of the change, representing
the sound pressure energy. A sound as soft as human breathing is about 10 times greater than 0 dB.
The decibel system of measuring sound gives a rough connection between the physical intensity of
sound and its perceived loudness to the human ear. A 10 dB increase in sound level is perceived by
the human ear as only a doubling of the sound’s loudness. Ambient sounds generally range from
30 dB (very quiet) to 100 dB (very loud).
Sound levels are generated from a source, and their decibel level decreases as the distance from
that source increases. Sound levels dissipate exponentially with distance from their noise sources.
For a single point source, sound levels decrease approximately 6 dB for each doubling of distance
from the source. This drop-off rate is appropriate for noise generated by stationary equipment.
If noise is produced by a line source (e.g., highway traffic or railroad operations), the sound
decreases 3 dB for each doubling of distance in a hard site environment. Line-source sound levels
decrease 4.5 dB for each doubling of distance in a relatively flat environment with absorptive
vegetation.
N OISE AND V IBRATION I MPACT A NALYSIS
M AY 2025
C ITRUS W ALK R ESIDENTIAL P ROJECT
F ONTANA, C ALIFORNIA
P:\A-E\ESL2201.102\Product\Citrus Walk Residential N&V Report_05122025.docx «05/12/25» 10
There are many ways to rate noise for various time periods, but an appropriate rating of ambient
noise affecting humans also accounts for the annoying effects of sound. The equivalent continuous
sound level (Leq) is the total sound energy of time-varying noise over a sample period. However, the
predominant rating scales for human communities in the State of California are the Leq and
Community Noise Equivalent Level (CNEL) or the day-night average noise level (Ldn) based on
A-weighted decibels. CNEL is the time-weighted average noise over a 24-hour period, with a
5 dBA weighting factor applied to the hourly Leq for noises occurring from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
(defined as relaxation hours) and a 10 dBA weighting factor applied to noises occurring from
10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. (defined as sleeping hours). Ldn is similar to the CNEL scale but without the
adjustment for events occurring during relaxation hours. CNEL and Ldn are within 1 dBA of each
other and are normally interchangeable. The City uses the CNEL noise scale for long-term traffic
noise impact assessment.
Other noise rating scales of importance when assessing the annoyance factor include the maximum
instantaneous noise level (Lmax), which is the highest sound level that occurs during a stated time
period. The noise environments discussed in this analysis for short-term noise impacts are specified in
terms of maximum levels denoted by Lmax, which reflects peak operating conditions and addresses the
annoying aspects of intermittent noise. It is often used together with another noise scale, or noise
standards in terms of percentile noise levels, in noise ordinances for enforcement purposes. For
example, the L10 noise level represents the noise level exceeded 10 percent of the time during a
stated period. The L50 noise level represents the median noise level. Half the time the noise level
exceeds this level, and half the time it is less than this level. The L90 noise level represents the noise
level exceeded 90 percent of the time and is considered the background noise level during a
monitoring period. For a relatively constant noise source, the Leq and L50 are approximately the same.
Noise impacts can be described in three categories. The first category includes audible impacts,
which are increases in noise levels noticeable to humans. Audible increases in noise levels generally
refer to a change of 3 dB or greater because this level has been found to be barely perceptible in
exterior environments. The second category, potentially audible, refers to a change in the noise
level between 1 dB and 3 dB. This range of noise levels has been found to be noticeable only in
laboratory environments. The last category includes changes in noise levels of less than 1 dB, which
are inaudible to the human ear. Only audible changes in existing ambient or background noise levels
are considered potentially significant.
Physiological Effects of Noise
Physical damage to human hearing begins at prolonged exposure to sound levels higher than
85 dBA. Exposure to high sound levels affects the entire system, with prolonged sound exposure in
excess of 75 dBA increasing body tensions, thereby affecting blood pressure and functions of the
heart and the nervous system. In comparison, extended periods of sound exposure above
90 dBA would result in permanent cell damage. When the sound level reaches 120 dBA, a tickling
sensation occurs in the human ear, even with short-term exposure. This level of sound is called the
threshold of feeling. As the sound reaches 140 dBA, the tickling sensation is replaced by a feeling of
pain in the ear (i.e., the threshold of pain). A sound level of 160–165 dBA will result in dizziness or a
loss of equilibrium. The ambient or background noise problem is widespread and generally more
concentrated in urban areas than in outlying, less developed areas.
N OISE AND V IBRATION I MPACT A NALYSIS
M AY 2025
C ITRUS W ALK R ESIDENTIAL P ROJECT
F ONTANA, C ALIFORNIA
P:\A-E\ESL2201.102\Product\Citrus Walk Residential N&V Report_05122025.docx «05/12/25» 11
Table A lists definitions of acoustical terms, and Table B shows common sound levels and their
sources.
Table A: Definitions of Acoustical Terms
Term Definitions
Decibel, dB A unit of sound measurement that denotes the ratio between two quantities that are
proportional to power; the number of decibels is 10 times the logarithm (to the base 10) of this
ratio.
Frequency, Hz Of a function periodic in time, the number of times that the quantity repeats itself in 1 second
(i.e., the number of cycles per second).
A-Weighted Sound
Level, dBA
The sound level obtained by use of A-weighting. The A-weighting filter de-emphasizes the very
low and very high frequency components of the sound in a manner similar to the frequency
response of the human ear and correlates well with subjective reactions to noise. (All sound
levels in this report are A-weighted unless reported otherwise.)
L01, L10, L50, L90 The fast A-weighted noise levels that are equaled or exceeded by a fluctuating sound level 1%,
10%, 50%, and 90% of a stated time period, respectively.
Equivalent Continuous
Noise Level, Leq
The level of a steady sound that, in a stated time period and at a stated location, has the same
A-weighted sound energy as the time-varying sound.
Community Noise
Equivalent Level, CNEL
The 24-hour A-weighted average sound level from midnight to midnight, obtained after the
addition of 5 dBA to sound levels occurring in the evening from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. and
after the addition of 10 dBA to sound levels occurring in the night between 10:00 p.m. and
7:00 a.m.
Day/Night Noise Level,
Ldn
The 24-hour A-weighted average sound level from midnight to midnight, obtained after the
addition of 10 dBA to sound levels occurring in the night between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m.
Lmax, Lmin The maximum and minimum A-weighted sound levels measured on a sound level meter,
during a designated time interval, using fast time averaging.
Ambient Noise Level The all-encompassing noise associated with a given environment at a specified time. Usually a
composite of sound from many sources from many directions, near and far; no particular
sound is dominant.
Intrusive The noise that intrudes over and above the existing ambient noise at a given location. The
relative intrusiveness of a sound depends upon its amplitude, duration, frequency, time of
occurrence, and tonal or informational content, as well as the prevailing ambient noise level.
Source 1: Technical Noise Supplement (Caltrans 2013)
Source 2: Transit Noise and Vibration Impact Assessment Manual (FTA 2018).
FTA = Federal Transit Administration
N OISE AND V IBRATION I MPACT A NALYSIS
M AY 2025
C ITRUS W ALK R ESIDENTIAL P ROJECT
F ONTANA, C ALIFORNIA
P:\A-E\ESL2201.102\Product\Citrus Walk Residential N&V Report_05122025.docx «05/12/25» 12
Table B: Common Sound Levels and Their Noise Sources
Noise Source A-Weighted Sound
Level in Decibels Noise Environments Subjective
Evaluations
Near Jet Engine 140 Deafening 128 times as loud
Civil Defense Siren 130 Threshold of Pain 64 times as loud
Hard Rock Band 120 Threshold of Feeling 32 times as loud
Accelerating Motorcycle at a Few Feet Away 110 Very Loud 16 times as loud
Pile Driver; Noisy Urban Street/Heavy City
Traffic
100 Very Loud 8 times as loud
Ambulance Siren; Food Blender 95 Very Loud —
Garbage Disposal 90 Very Loud 4 times as loud
Freight Cars; Living Room Music 85 Loud —
Pneumatic Drill; Vacuum Cleaner 80 Loud 2 times as loud
Busy Restaurant 75 Moderately Loud —
Near Freeway Auto Traffic 70 Moderately Loud Reference level
Average Office 60 Quiet One-half as loud
Suburban Street 55 Quiet —
Light Traffic; Soft Radio Music in Apartment 50 Quiet One-quarter as loud
Large Transformer 45 Quiet —
Average Residence without Stereo Playing 40 Faint One-eighth as loud
Soft Whisper 30 Faint —
Rustling Leaves 20 Very Faint —
Human Breathing 10 Very Faint Threshold of Hearing
— 0 Very Faint —
Source: Compiled by LSA (2022).
FUNDAMENTALS OF VIBRATION
Vibration refers to ground-borne noise and perceptible motion. Ground-borne vibration is almost
exclusively a concern inside buildings and is rarely perceived as a problem outdoors, where the
motion may not be discernible, but without the effects associated with the shaking of a building
there is less adverse reaction. Vibration energy propagates from a source through intervening soil
and rock layers to the foundations of nearby buildings. The vibration then propagates from the
foundation throughout the remainder of the structure. Building vibration may be perceived by
occupants as the motion of building surfaces, the rattling of items sitting on shelves or hanging on
walls, or a low-frequency rumbling noise. The rumbling noise is caused by the vibration of walls,
floors, and ceilings that radiate sound waves. Annoyance from vibration often occurs when the
vibration exceeds the threshold of perception by 10 dB or less. This is an order of magnitude below
the damage threshold for normal buildings.
Typical sources of ground-borne vibration are construction activities (e.g., blasting, pile-driving, and
operating heavy-duty earthmoving equipment), steel-wheeled trains, and occasional traffic on rough
roads. Problems with both ground-borne vibration and noise from these sources are usually
localized to areas within approximately 100 feet from the vibration source, although there are
examples of ground-borne vibration causing interference out to distances greater than 200 feet.
When roadways are smooth, vibration from traffic, even heavy trucks, is rarely perceptible. It is
assumed for most projects that the roadway surface will be smooth enough that ground-borne
N OISE AND V IBRATION I MPACT A NALYSIS
M AY 2025
C ITRUS W ALK R ESIDENTIAL P ROJECT
F ONTANA, C ALIFORNIA
P:\A-E\ESL2201.102\Product\Citrus Walk Residential N&V Report_05122025.docx «05/12/25» 13
vibration from street traffic will not exceed the impact criteria; however, construction of the project
could result in ground-borne vibration that may be perceptible and annoying.
Ground-borne noise is not likely to be a problem because noise arriving via the normal airborne path
will usually be greater than ground-borne noise.
Ground-borne vibration has the potential to disturb people and damage buildings. Although it is
very rare for train-induced ground-borne vibration to cause even cosmetic building damage, it is not
uncommon for construction processes such as blasting and pile-driving to cause vibration of
sufficient amplitudes to damage nearby buildings. Ground-borne vibration is usually measured in
terms of vibration velocity, either the root-mean-square (RMS) velocity or peak particle velocity
(PPV). The RMS is best for characterizing human response to building vibration, and PPV is used to
characterize the potential for damage. Decibel notation acts to compress the range of numbers
required to describe vibration. Vibration velocity level in decibels is defined as:
Lv = 20 log10 [V/Vref]
where “Lv” is the vibration velocity in decibels (VdB), “V” is the RMS velocity amplitude, and “Vref” is
the reference velocity amplitude, or 1 x 10-6 inches/second (in/sec) used in the United States.
N OISE AND V IBRATION I MPACT A NALYSIS
M AY 2025
C ITRUS W ALK R ESIDENTIAL P ROJECT
F ONTANA, C ALIFORNIA
P:\A-E\ESL2201.102\Product\Citrus Walk Residential N&V Report_05122025.docx «05/12/25» 14
REGULATORY SETTING
APPLICABLE NOISE STANDARDS
The applicable noise standards governing the project site include the criteria in the California Code
of Regulations, the Noise and Safety Element of the City’s General Plan (Noise Element), and the
City’s Zoning and Development Code.
California Code of Regulations
Interior noise levels for residential habitable rooms are regulated by Title 24 of the California Code of
Regulations California Noise Insulation Standards. Title 24, Chapter 12, Section 1206.4, of the 2019
California Building Code requires that interior noise levels attributable to exterior sources not exceed
45 CNEL in any habitable room. A habitable room is a room used for living, sleeping, eating, or
cooking. Bathrooms, closets, hallways, utility spaces, and similar areas are not considered habitable
rooms for this regulation (Title 24 California Code of Regulations, Chapter 12, Section 1206.4).
City of Fontana
Noise Element of the General Plan
The Noise Element provides the City’s goals and policies related to noise, including the land use
compatibility guidelines for community exterior noise environments (City of Fontana 2018). The City
has identified the following goals and policies in the Noise Element which are applicable to the
project:
• Goal 8: The City of Fontana protects sensitive land uses from excessive noise by diligent
planning through 2035.
○ Policies:
■ New sensitive land uses shall be prohibited in incompatible areas.
■ Noise-tolerant land uses shall be guided into areas irrevocably committed to land uses
that are noise-producing, such as transportation corridors.
■ Where sensitive uses are to be placed along transportation routes, mitigation shall be
provided to ensure compliance with state- mandated noise levels.
■ Noise spillover or encroachment from commercial, industrial and educational land uses
shall be minimized into adjoining residential neighborhoods or noise-sensitive uses.
○ Actions:
A. The following uses shall be considered noise-sensitive and discouraged in areas in excess
of 65 dBA CNEL (Community Noise Equivalent Level): Residential Uses; Hospitals; Rest
Homes; Long Term Care Facilities; and Mental Care Facilities.
N OISE AND V IBRATION I MPACT A NALYSIS
M AY 2025
C ITRUS W ALK R ESIDENTIAL P ROJECT
F ONTANA, C ALIFORNIA
P:\A-E\ESL2201.102\Product\Citrus Walk Residential N&V Report_05122025.docx «05/12/25» 15
B. The following uses shall be considered noise-sensitive and discouraged in areas in excess
of 65 Leq(12) (Equivalent Continuous Sound Level): Schools; Libraries; Places of Worship;
and Passive Recreation Uses.
C. The State of California Office of Planning and Research General Plan Guidelines shall be
followed with respect to acoustical study requirements.
• Goal 10: Fontana’s residents are protected from the negative effects of “spillover” noise.
○ Policy:
■ Residential land uses and areas identified as noise-sensitive shall be protected from
excessive noise from non-transportation sources including industrial, commercial, and
residential activities and equipment.
○ Actions:
C. Non-transportation noise shall be considered in land use planning decisions.
D. Construction shall be performed as quietly as feasible when performed in proximity to
residential or other noise sensitive land uses.
City of Fontana Zoning and Development Code
Noise Standards. The City’s standards for noise impacts in neighboring residential areas are found
in Section 30-469 (City of Fontana 2024). For residential zoning districts, Section 30-469 indicates
that “no use shall create or cause to be created any sound which exceeds the ambient noise
standards outlined in Table 30-469.” The performance standards found in Section 30-469 limit the
exterior noise level to 65 dBA Leq during the daytime and nighttime hours, and the interior noise
level to 45 dBA Leq during the daytime and nighttime hours at sensitive receiver locations as shown
in Table 30-469 (Table C below).
Table C: Noise Standards
Location of Measurement Maximum Allowable
All zoning districts Daytime (7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.) Nighttime (10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.)
Interior 45 dBA Leq 45 dBA Leq
Exterior 65 dBA Leq 65 dBA Leq
Source: City of Fontana (2024).
dBA = A-weighted decibels Leq = equivalent continuous sound level
Construction Noise Standards. The City has set restrictions to control noise impacts associated with
the construction of the proposed project. According to Section 18-63(b)(7), Construction or repairing
of buildings or structures, construction activity is limited between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and
6:00 p.m. on weekdays and between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. on Saturdays, except in
the case of urgent necessity.
N OISE AND V IBRATION I MPACT A NALYSIS
M AY 2025
C ITRUS W ALK R ESIDENTIAL P ROJECT
F ONTANA, C ALIFORNIA
P:\A-E\ESL2201.102\Product\Citrus Walk Residential N&V Report_05122025.docx «05/12/25» 16
Federal Transit Administration
Although the City does not have daytime construction noise level limits for activities that occur
within the specified hours in Section 18-63(b)(7) to determine potential California Environmental
Quality Act (CEQA) noise impacts, construction noise was assessed using criteria from the Transit
Noise and Vibration Impact Assessment Manual (Federal Transit Administration [FTA] 2018) (FTA
Manual). Table D shows the FTA’s Detailed Assessment Construction Noise Criteria based on the
composite noise levels per construction phase.
Table D: Detailed Assessment Daytime
Construction Noise Criteria
Land Use Daytime 8-hour Leq (dBA)
Residential 80
Commercial 85
Industrial 90
Source: Transit Noise and Vibration Impact Assessment Manual (FTA 2018).
dBA = A-weighted decibels Leq = equivalent continuous sound level
APPLICABLE VIBRATION STANDARDS
Federal Transit Administration
Vibration standards included in the FTA Manual are used in this analysis for ground-borne vibration
impacts on human annoyance. The criteria for environmental impact from ground-borne vibration
and noise are based on the maximum levels for a single event. Table E provides the criteria for
assessing the potential for interference or annoyance from vibration levels in a building.
Table E: Interpretation of Vibration Criteria for Detailed Analysis
Land Use Max Lv
(VdB)1 Description of Use
Workshop 90 Vibration that is distinctly felt. Appropriate for workshops and similar areas not
as sensitive to vibration.
Office 84 Vibration that can be felt. Appropriate for offices and similar areas not as
sensitive to vibration.
Residential Day 78 Vibration that is barely felt. Adequate for computer equipment and low-power
optical microscopes (up to 20×).
Residential Night and
Operating Rooms
72 Vibration is not felt, but ground-borne noise may be audible inside quiet rooms.
Suitable for medium-power microscopes (100×) and other equipment of low
sensitivity.
Source: Transit Noise and Vibration Impact Assessment Manual (FTA 2018).
1 As measured in 1/3-Octave bands of frequency over the frequency range 8 to 80 Hertz.
FTA = Federal Transit Administration
LV = velocity in decibels
Max = maximum
VdB = vibration velocity decibels
N OISE AND V IBRATION I MPACT A NALYSIS
M AY 2025
C ITRUS W ALK R ESIDENTIAL P ROJECT
F ONTANA, C ALIFORNIA
P:\A-E\ESL2201.102\Product\Citrus Walk Residential N&V Report_05122025.docx «05/12/25» 17
California Department of Transportation
Table F lists the potential vibration building damage criteria associated with construction activities,
as suggested in the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) Transportation and
Construction Vibration Guidance Manual (Caltrans 2020) (Caltrans Manual). Caltrans guidelines
show that a vibration level of up to 0.5 in/sec in PPV is considered safe for newer residential
structures and modern industrial or commercial buildings and would not result in any construction
vibration damage.
Table F: Construction Vibration Damage Criteria
Structure / Condition PPV (in/sec)
Extremely fragile historic buildings, ruins, ancient monuments 0.08
Fragile buildings 0.10
Historic and some old buildings 0.25
Older residential structures 0.30
New residential structures 0.50
Modern industrial / commercial buildings 0.50
Source: Table 19, Transportation and Construction Vibration Guidance Manual (Caltrans 2020).
in/sec = inch/inches per second PPV = peak particle velocity
N OISE AND V IBRATION I MPACT A NALYSIS
M AY 2025
C ITRUS W ALK R ESIDENTIAL P ROJECT
F ONTANA, C ALIFORNIA
P:\A-E\ESL2201.102\Product\Citrus Walk Residential N&V Report_05122025.docx «05/12/25» 18
OVERVIEW OF THE EXISTING NOISE ENVIRONMENT
The primary existing noise sources in the project area are traffic on Baseline Avenue and other local
roadways in the vicinity of the project site.
AMBIENT NOISE MEASUREMENTS
Long-Term Noise Measurements
Long-term (24-hour) noise level measurements were conducted on January 28 and 29, 2025, using
two Larson Davis Spark 706RC Dosimeters. Table G provides a summary of the measured hourly
noise levels from the long-term noise level measurements. Hourly noise levels at surrounding
sensitive uses are as low as 51.2 dBA Leq during nighttime hours and 58.0 dBA Leq during daytime
hours. Long-term noise monitoring data results are provided in Appendix A. Figure 3 shows the long-
term monitoring locations.
Table G: Long-Term Ambient Noise Level Measurements
Location
Daytime
Noise
Levels1
(dBA Leq)
Evening
Noise
Levels2
(dBA Leq)
Nighttime
Noise
Levels3
(dBA Leq)
Daily Noise
Levels
(dBA CNEL)
LT-1 Near the northeast corner of the project site, in
the first tree south of Baseline Avenue.
Approximately 110 feet from the Baseline Avenue
centerline and 30 feet from the Lime Avenue
centerline.
65.8–69.7 65.5–66.6 59.5–65.3 70.8
LT-2 Near the southwest corner of the project site, on
a tree approximately 35 feet from the Orlando
Drive centerline and approximately 320 feet from
the Baseline Avenue centerline.
58.0–62.3 55.7–59.3 51.2–58.9 62.8
Source: Compiled by LSA (2025).
Note: Noise measurements were conducted from January 28 to January 29, 2025, starting at 11:00 a.m.
1 Daytime Noise Levels = Noise levels during the hours from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
2 Evening Noise Levels = Noise levels during the hours from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
2 Nighttime Noise Levels = Noise levels during the hours from 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.
CNEL = Community Noise Equivalent Level
dBA = A-weighted decibels
Leq = equivalent continuous sound level
EXISTING AIRCRAFT NOISE
Airport-related noise levels are primarily associated with aircraft engine noise made while aircraft
are taking off, landing, or running their engines while still on the ground. The closest airport to the
proposed project site is Ontario International Airport (ONT) located approximately 8 miles
southwest of the project site. According to Policy Map 2-3 of the Ontario International Airport Land
Use Compatibility Plan, the project site is located outside the 60-65 dBA CNEL airport noise impact
zone (ONT 2018). Therefore, the project would not be adversely affected by airport/airfield noise
nor would the project contribute to or result in adverse airport/airfield noise impacts.
SOURCE: Google Earth 2025
FEET
3801900
FIGURE 3
Noise Monitoring Locations
I:\E\ESL2201.102\G\Noise_Locs.ai (2/10/2025)
Citrus Walk Residential
Or
l
a
n
d
o
D
r
Jackson Dr
Baseline Ave
Li
m
e
A
v
e
Be
e
c
h
A
v
e
Be
e
c
h
A
v
e
Or
l
a
n
d
o
D
r
Jackson Dr
Baseline Ave
Li
m
e
A
v
e
LEGEND
Project Site Boundary
Long-term Noise Monitoring LocationLT-1LT-1
LT-2LT-2
LT-1LT-1
N OISE AND V IBRATION I MPACT A NALYSIS
M AY 2025
C ITRUS W ALK R ESIDENTIAL P ROJECT
F ONTANA, C ALIFORNIA
P:\A-E\ESL2201.102\Product\Citrus Walk Residential N&V Report_05122025.docx «05/12/25» 20
PROJECT IMPACT ANALYSIS
SHORT-TERM CONSTRUCTION NOISE IMPACTS
Two types of short-term noise impacts could occur during the construction of the proposed project.
First, construction crew commutes and the transport of construction equipment and materials to
the site for the proposed project would incrementally increase noise levels on access roads leading
to the site. Although there would be a relatively high single-event noise-exposure potential causing
intermittent noise nuisance (passing trucks at 50 feet would generate up to 84 dBA Lmax), the effect
on longer-term ambient noise levels would be small compared to existing daily traffic volumes on
Jurupa Avenue. The results of the California Emissions Estimator Model for the proposed project
indicate that, during the building construction phase, the acoustical equivalent traffic volume would
be 185 passenger car equivalent vehicles. Based on the City of Fontana General Plan Community
Mobility and Circulation Element (2023), the traffic volume on Baseline Avenue, assumed to be the
main construction access, is 13,200 vehicles. When comparing 13,385 to the existing average daily
trips (ADT), the increase is 0.1 dBA. A noise level increase of less than 3 dBA would not be
perceptible to the human ear in an outdoor environment. Therefore, short-term, construction-
related impacts associated with worker commute and equipment transport to the project site would
be less than significant.
The second type of short-term noise impact is related to noise generated during construction, which
includes site preparation, grading, building construction, paving, and architectural coating on the
project site. Construction is completed in discrete steps, each of which has its own mix of equipment
and, consequently, its own noise characteristics. As described above in the regulatory section of this
analysis, the applicable criteria for assessing potential construction noise impacts is an hourly (Leq)
noise level standard. Because the criteria assessment is for an average noise hour, the assessment of
construction equipment operation should also represent an average condition, thus the center of
the project site is the appropriate assessment location of on-site construction equipment. These
various sequential phases would change the character of the noise generated on the site and,
therefore, the noise levels surrounding the site as construction progresses. Despite the variety in the
type and size of construction equipment, similarities in the dominant noise sources and patterns of
operation allow construction-related noise ranges to be categorized by work phase. Table H lists
typical construction equipment noise levels recommended for noise impact assessments, based on a
distance of 50 feet between the equipment and a noise receptor, taken from the Federal Highway
Administration (FHWA) Roadway Construction Noise Model (FHWA 2006).
In addition to the reference maximum noise level, the usage factor provided in Table H is used to
calculate the hourly noise level impact for each piece of equipment based on the following equation:
−+=50log20.).log(10..)(DFULEequipLeq
where: Leq (equip) = Leq at a receiver resulting from the operation of a single
piece of equipment over a specified time period.
N OISE AND V IBRATION I MPACT A NALYSIS
M AY 2025
C ITRUS W ALK R ESIDENTIAL P ROJECT
F ONTANA, C ALIFORNIA
P:\A-E\ESL2201.102\Product\Citrus Walk Residential N&V Report_05122025.docx «05/12/25» 21
E.L. = noise emission level of the particular piece of equipment at
a reference distance of 50 feet.
U.F. = usage factor that accounts for the fraction of time that the
equipment is in use over the specified period of time.
D = distance from the receiver to the piece of equipment.
Table H: Typical Construction Equipment Noise Levels
Equipment Description Acoustical Usage Factor (%)1 Maximum Noise Level
(Lmax) at 50 Feet2
Auger Drill Rig 20 84
Backhoes 40 80
Compactor (ground) 20 80
Compressor 40 80
Cranes 16 85
Dozers 40 85
Dump Trucks 40 84
Excavators 40 85
Flat Bed Trucks 40 84
Forklift 20 85
Front-end Loaders 40 80
Graders 40 85
Impact Pile Drivers 20 95
Jackhammers 20 85
Paver 50 77
Pickup Truck 40 55
Pneumatic Tools 50 85
Pumps 50 77
Rock Drills 20 85
Rollers 20 85
Scrapers 40 85
Tractors 40 84
Trencher 50 80
Welder 40 73
Source: FHWA Roadway Construction Noise Model User’s Guide, Table 1 (FHWA 2006).
Note: Noise levels reported in this table are rounded to the nearest whole number.
1 Usage factor is the percentage of time during a construction noise operation that a piece of
construction equipment is operating at full power.
2 Maximum noise levels were developed based on Specification 721.560 from the Central Artery/
Tunnel program to be consistent with the City of Boston’s Noise Code for the “Big Dig” project.
FHWA = Federal Highway Administration
Lmax = maximum instantaneous sound level
Each piece of construction equipment operates as an individual point source. Using the following
equation, a composite noise level can be calculated when multiple sources of noise operate
simultaneously:
𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿 (𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝐿𝐿)=10 ∗log10 ��10𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿10𝐿𝐿
1 �
N OISE AND V IBRATION I MPACT A NALYSIS
M AY 2025
C ITRUS W ALK R ESIDENTIAL P ROJECT
F ONTANA, C ALIFORNIA
P:\A-E\ESL2201.102\Product\Citrus Walk Residential N&V Report_05122025.docx «05/12/25» 22
Using the equations from the methodology above, the reference information in Table H, and the
construction equipment list provided, the composite noise level of each construction phase was
calculated. The project construction composite noise levels at a distance of 50 feet would range
from 74 dBA Leq to 88 dBA Leq, with the highest noise levels occurring during the site preparation and
paving phases.
Once composite noise levels are calculated, reference noise levels can then be adjusted for distance
using the following equation: 𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿 (𝑎𝑎𝑐𝑐 𝑑𝑑𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑎𝑎𝑑𝑑𝑐𝑐𝐿𝐿 𝑋𝑋)=𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿 (𝑎𝑎𝑐𝑐 50 𝑓𝑓𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝑐𝑐)−20 ∗lo g10 �𝑋𝑋50�
In general, this equation shows that doubling the distance would decrease noise levels by 6 dBA,
while halving the distance would increase noise levels by 6 dBA.
Table I shows the nearest sensitive uses to the project site, their distance from the center of
construction activities, and composite noise levels expected during construction. These noise level
projections do not consider intervening topography or barriers. Construction equipment calculations
are provided in Appendix B.
Table I: Potential Construction Noise Impacts at Nearest Receptor
Receptor (Location) Composite Noise Level
(dBA Leq) at 50 feet1 Distance (feet) Composite Noise
Level (dBA Leq)
Residences (South)
88
150 78
Residences (North) 290 72
Residences (East) 345 71
Residences (West) 360 71
Source: Compiled by LSA (2025).
1 The composite construction noise level represents the site preparation/paving phases, which are expected to result in
the greatest noise level as compared to other phases.
dBA = A-weighted decibels Leq = equivalent continuous sound level
Although construction noise will vary, it is expected that composite noise levels during construction
at the nearest off-site sensitive residential use to the south would reach an average noise level of
78 dBA Leq during daytime hours. These predicted noise levels would only occur when all
construction equipment is operating simultaneously and, therefore, are assumed to be rather
conservative in nature. Although construction-related short-term noise levels have the potential to
be higher than existing ambient noise levels in the project area under existing conditions, the noise
impacts would no longer occur once project construction is completed.
As stated above, noise impacts associated with construction activities are regulated by the City’s
noise ordinance. The proposed project would comply with the construction hours specified in the
City’s Noise Ordinance, which states that construction activities are allowed between the hours of
7:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. on weekdays and between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. on
Saturdays, except in the case of urgent necessity.
N OISE AND V IBRATION I MPACT A NALYSIS
M AY 2025
C ITRUS W ALK R ESIDENTIAL P ROJECT
F ONTANA, C ALIFORNIA
P:\A-E\ESL2201.102\Product\Citrus Walk Residential N&V Report_05122025.docx «05/12/25» 23
As it relates to off-site uses, construction-related noise impacts would remain below the 80 dBA Leq
construction noise level criteria, as established by the FTA for residential land uses for the average
daily condition as modeled from the center of the project site and therefore would be considered
less than significant. Best construction practices presented at the end of this section shall be
implemented to minimize noise impacts on surrounding receptors.
SHORT-TERM CONSTRUCTION VIBRATION IMPACTS
This construction vibration impact analysis discusses the level of human annoyance using vibration
levels in RMS (VdB) and assesses the potential for building damage using vibration levels in PPV
(in/sec). This is because vibration levels calculated in RMS are best for characterizing human
response to building vibration, while calculating vibration levels in PPV is best for characterizing the
potential for damage. Similar to construction noise, as described above in the regulatory section of
this analysis, the applicable criteria for assessing potential construction vibration impacts is root-
mean-square or average vibration standard. Because the criteria assessment is for an average
vibration condition, the assessment of construction equipment operation should also represent an
average condition, thus the center of the project site is the appropriate assessment location of
potential construction vibration annoyance. Conversely, the construction vibration damage criteria
is a peak or maximum scenario to assess the potential for effects such as the cracking of building
façade. For this scenario, the vibration damage assessment should be completed using the distance
between the heavy equipment operation (usually the edge of construction) and surrounding
building façades.
Table J shows the PPV and VdB values at 25 feet from the construction vibration source. As shown in
Table J, bulldozers and other heavy-tracked construction equipment (expected to be used for this
project) generate approximately 0.089 PPV in/sec or 87 VdB of ground-borne vibration when
measured at 25 feet, based on the FTA Manual. The distance to the nearest buildings for vibration
impact analysis is measured between the nearest off-site buildings and the project construction
boundary (assuming the construction equipment would be used at or near the project setback line).
The formulae for vibration transmission are provided below, and Tables K and L provide a summary
of off-site construction vibration levels.
LvdB (D) = LvdB (25 ft) – 30 Log (D/25)
PPVequip = PPVref x (25/D)1.1
As shown in Table E, above, the threshold at which vibration levels would result in annoyance would
be 78 VdB for daytime residential uses. As shown in Table F, the Caltrans guidelines indicate that for
new residential structures, the construction vibration damage criterion is 0.5 in/sec in PPV.
N OISE AND V IBRATION I MPACT A NALYSIS
M AY 2025
C ITRUS W ALK R ESIDENTIAL P ROJECT
F ONTANA, C ALIFORNIA
P:\A-E\ESL2201.102\Product\Citrus Walk Residential N&V Report_05122025.docx «05/12/25» 24
Table J: Vibration Source Amplitudes for Construction Equipment
Equipment Reference PPV/LV at 25 ft
PPV (in/sec) LV (VdB)1
Pile Driver (Impact), Typical 0.644 104
Pile Driver (Sonic), Typical 0.170 93
Vibratory Roller 0.210 94
Hoe Ram 0.089 87
Large Bulldozer2 0.089 87
Caisson Drilling 0.089 87
Loaded Trucks2 0.076 86
Jackhammer 0.035 79
Small Bulldozer 0.003 58
Source: Transit Noise and Vibration Impact Assessment Manual (FTA 2018).
1 RMS vibration velocity in decibels (VdB) is 1 µin/sec.
2 Equipment shown in bold is expected to be used on site.
µin/sec = microinches per second
ft = foot/feet
FTA = Federal Transit Administration
in/sec = inch/inches per second
LV = velocity in decibels
PPV = peak particle velocity
RMS = root-mean-square
VdB = vibration velocity decibels
Table K: Potential Construction Vibration Annoyance Impacts at
Nearest Receptor
Receptor (Location) Reference Vibration
Level (VdB) at 25 ft1 Distance (ft) 2 Vibration Level
(VdB)
Residences (South)
87
150 64
Residences (North) 290 55
Residences (East) 345 53
Residences (West) 360 52
Source: Compiled by LSA (2025).
1 The reference vibration level is associated with a large bulldozer, which is expected to be
representative of the heavy equipment used during construction.
2 The reference distance is associated with the average condition, identified by the distance from the
center of construction activities to surrounding uses.
ft = foot/feet
VdB = vibration velocity decibels
N OISE AND V IBRATION I MPACT A NALYSIS
M AY 2025
C ITRUS W ALK R ESIDENTIAL P ROJECT
F ONTANA, C ALIFORNIA
P:\A-E\ESL2201.102\Product\Citrus Walk Residential N&V Report_05122025.docx «05/12/25» 25
Table L: Potential Construction Vibration Damage Impacts at
Nearest Receptor
Receptor (Location) Reference Vibration
Level (PPV) at 25 ft1 Distance (ft)2 Vibration Level
(PPV)
Residences (South)
0.089
6 0.428
Residences (North) 160 0.005
Residences (East) 70 0.019
Residences (West) 90 0.013
Source: Compiled by LSA (2025).
1 The reference vibration level is associated with a large bulldozer, which is expected to be
representative of the heavy equipment used during construction.
2 The reference distance is associated with the peak condition, identified by the distance from the
perimeter of construction activities to surrounding structures.
ft = foot/feet
PPV = peak particle velocity
Based on the information provided in Table K, vibration levels are expected to approach 64 VdB at
the closest residential uses located south of the project site, which is below the 78 VdB threshold for
annoyance.
Based on the information provided in Table L, vibration levels are expected to approach 0.428 PPV
in/sec at the nearest surrounding structures and would not exceed the 0.5 PPV in/sec damage
threshold considered safe for residential structures, which would result in a less than significant
impact. Vibration levels at all other buildings would be lower. Therefore, construction would not
result in any vibration damage, and impacts would be less than significant.
Because construction activities are regulated by the City’s Municipal Code, which states that
temporary construction, maintenance, or demolition activities are allowed between the hours of
7:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. on weekdays and between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. on
Saturdays, except in the case of urgent necessity, vibration impacts would not occur during the
more sensitive nighttime hours.
LONG-TERM OFF-SITE TRAFFIC NOISE IMPACTS
In order to assess the potential traffic impacts related to the proposed project, the proposed project
would result in an increase of 364 ADT based on the Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) Screening
Analysis for the project (EPD 2025). The existing (2016) ADT on Baseline Avenue is 13,200 (City of
Fontana 2023). Although the current traffic volume on Baseline Avenue is likely higher, using the
2016 volumes would be considered conservative. The following equation was used to determine the
potential impacts of the project:
Change in CNEL = 10 𝑙𝑙𝑐𝑐𝑙𝑙10 [𝑉𝑉(𝑒𝑒+𝑝𝑝)/𝑉𝑉(𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝐿𝐿𝑒𝑒)]
where: Vexisting = existing daily volumes
Ve+p = existing daily volumes plus project
Change in CNEL = increase in noise level due to the project
N OISE AND V IBRATION I MPACT A NALYSIS
M AY 2025
C ITRUS W ALK R ESIDENTIAL P ROJECT
F ONTANA, C ALIFORNIA
P:\A-E\ESL2201.102\Product\Citrus Walk Residential N&V Report_05122025.docx «05/12/25» 26
The results of the calculations show that an increase of approximately 0.1 dBA CNEL is expected
along Baseline Avenue. A noise level increase of less than 1 dBA would not be perceptible to the
human ear; therefore, the traffic noise increase in the vicinity of the project site resulting from the
proposed project would be less than significant. For adjacent local roads, it is assumed the project
traffic would be distributed across Lime Avenue and Orlando Drive thus minimizing traffic noise
increases. No mitigation is required.
STATIONARY OPERATIONAL NOISE IMPACTS TO OFF-SITE RECEIVERS
It is expected that the proposed residential uses would install heating, ventilation, and air
conditioning (HVAC) equipment. It is expected that the equipment installed at each home would
comply with the City’s noise standards presented in Table C. Additionally, the project also proposes
the construction of a recreational space. Typical activities at a recreational space are not expected
to generate excessive noise levels and would occur during daytime hours.
LONG-TERM TRAFFIC-RELATED VIBRATION IMPACTS
The proposed project would not generate vibration levels related to on-site operations. In addition,
vibration levels generated from project-related traffic on the adjacent roadways are unusual for on-
road vehicles because the rubber tires and suspension systems of on-road vehicles provide vibration
isolation. Based on a reference vibration level of 0.076 in/sec PPV, structures greater than 20 feet
from the roadways that contain project trips would experience vibration levels below the most
conservative standard of 0.12 in/sec PPV; therefore, vibration levels generated from project-related
traffic on the adjacent roadways would be less than significant, and no mitigation measures are
required.
N OISE AND V IBRATION I MPACT A NALYSIS
M AY 2025
C ITRUS W ALK R ESIDENTIAL P ROJECT
F ONTANA, C ALIFORNIA
P:\A-E\ESL2201.102\Product\Citrus Walk Residential N&V Report_05122025.docx «05/12/25» 27
LAND USE COMPATIBILITY
The dominant source of noise in the project vicinity is traffic noise from roadways in the vicinity of
the project.
EXTERIOR NOISE ASSESSMENT
To assess exterior noise levels at the proposed residential uses project site, as shown in Table G,
long-term noise level measurements were gathered. The daily noise levels show that noise levels at
the project site approach 70.8 dBA CNEL at the proposed buildings closest to Baseline Avenue. As
specified above, for residential uses, an exterior noise level of 65 dBA CNEL or less is acceptable. The
closest outdoor amenities to Baseline Avenue where humans will spend time are the private open
space areas and common recreational area located in the north portion of the project site. To
reduce noise levels to the acceptable exterior noise level of 65 dBA CNEL at the outdoor areas
adjacent to Baseline Avenue, a 6-foot-high solid wall is recommended along the northern border of
the project site, with the exception of access gates.
Noise levels at the common recreation space in the southeast portion of the project site would be
below 65 dBA CNEL due to distance attenuation and shielding from the proposed buildings, and no
mitigation is required.
INTERIOR NOISE ASSESSMENT
As discussed above, per the California Code of Regulations, an interior noise level standard of
45 dBA CNEL or less is required for all noise-sensitive rooms. Based on the expected future exterior
noise levels at the project site approaching 71 dBA CNEL, a minimum noise reduction of 26 dBA
would be required.
Based on the United States Environmental Protection Agency’s Protective Noise Levels (1974), with
windows and doors open, interior noise levels would be 59 dBA (i.e., 71 dBA - 12 dBA = 59 dBA),
which would exceed the 45 dBA CNEL interior noise standard.
Based on a standard exterior wall type, the following presents a typical assembly:
• 7/8-inch Stucco plaster
• One layer of 0.375-inch-thick plywood
• 2-inch x 6-inch wood stud wall channels spaced at 16 inches and a minimum of R-21 fiberglass
insulation
• One layer of 5/8-inch-thick Type X gypsum board
The proposed project includes an HVAC system that would allow windows to remain closed. In order
to achieve the required noise reduction, based on reference information from transmission loss test
reports for Greenworld Windows (Greenworld Windows 2018), standard construction listed above
N OISE AND V IBRATION I MPACT A NALYSIS
M AY 2025
C ITRUS W ALK R ESIDENTIAL P ROJECT
F ONTANA, C ALIFORNIA
P:\A-E\ESL2201.102\Product\Citrus Walk Residential N&V Report_05122025.docx «05/12/25» 28
with upgraded window in the range of Sound Transmission Class 36 would yield an estimated
interior noise level of 44–45 dBA CNEL.
Once final architectural plans are available, consistent with the mitigation measure in the RFSP EIR,
a review of the floor plans along with wall details and windows chosen should be completed and
summarized in a final acoustical memorandum.
N OISE AND V IBRATION I MPACT A NALYSIS
M AY 2025
C ITRUS W ALK R ESIDENTIAL P ROJECT
F ONTANA, C ALIFORNIA
P:\A-E\ESL2201.102\Product\Citrus Walk Residential N&V Report_05122025.docx «05/12/25» 29
BEST CONSTRUCTION PRACTICES
In addition to compliance with the City’s Municipal Code allowed hours of construction between
7:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. on weekdays and between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. on
Saturdays, except in the case of urgent necessity, the following best construction practices would
further minimize construction noise impacts:
• The project construction contractor shall equip all construction equipment, fixed or mobile, with
properly operating and maintained noise mufflers consistent with manufacturer’s standards.
• The project construction contractor shall locate staging areas away from off-site sensitive uses
during the later phases of project development.
• The project construction contractor shall place all stationary construction equipment so that
emitted noise is directed away from sensitive receptors nearest the project site whenever
feasible.
N OISE AND V IBRATION I MPACT A NALYSIS
M AY 2025
C ITRUS W ALK R ESIDENTIAL P ROJECT
F ONTANA, C ALIFORNIA
P:\A-E\ESL2201.102\Product\Citrus Walk Residential N&V Report_05122025.docx «05/12/25» 30
REFERENCES
California Department of Transportation (Caltrans). 2020. Transportation and Construction Vibration
Guidance Manual.
City of Fontana. 2018. General Plan Noise Element. November.
_______. 2023. General Plan Community Mobility and Circulation Element. July 23.
_______. 2024. Zoning and Development Code. Website: https://library.municode.com/ca/fontana/
codes/zoning_and_development_code (accessed May 2025).
EPD Solutions, Inc. (EPD). 2025. Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) Analysis for the Southeast of the
intersection of Baseline Ave and Orlando Dr in the City of Fontana. January 21.
Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). 2006. FHWA Roadway Construction Noise Model User’s
Guide. January. Washington, D.C. Website: www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/noise/
construction_noise/rcnm/rcnm.pdf (accessed May 2025).
Federal Transit Administration (FTA). 2018. Transit Noise and Vibration Impact Assessment Manual.
Office of Planning and Environment. Report No. 0123. December.
Greenworld Windows. 2018. Various Transmission Loss Reports.
Ontario International Airport (ONT). 2018. Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan (ONT ALUCP) Policy
Map 2-3: Noise Impact Zones.
State of California. 2020. 2019 California Building Standards Code (California Code of Regulations,
Title 24).
United States Environmental Protection Agency. 1974. Protective Noise Levels.
N OISE AND V IBRATION I MPACT A NALYSIS
M AY 2025
C ITRUS W ALK R ESIDENTIAL P ROJECT
F ONTANA, C ALIFORNIA
P:\A-E\ESL2201.102\Product\Citrus Walk Residential N&V Report_05122025.docx «05/12/25»
APPENDIX A
NOISE MONITORING DATA
Noise Measurement Survey – 24 HR
Project Number: ESL2201.102 Test Personnel: Corey Knips
Project Name: Citrus Walk - Fontana Equipment: LD Spark 706RC (SN: 17814)
Site Number: LT-1 Start Date: 1/28/2025 Time: From 11:00 a.m. To 11:00 a.m.
Site Location: Near the northeast corner of the project site, in the first tree south of Baseline
Avenue. Approximately 110 feet from the Baseline Avenue centerline and 30 feet from the
Lime Avenue centerline.
Primary Noise Sources: Traffic on Baseline Avenue and very light traffic on Lime Avenue.
Comments:
Photo:
Long-Term (24-Hour) Noise Level Measurement Results at LT-1
Start Time Date Noise Level (dBA)
Leq Lmax Lmin
11:00 AM 1/28/2025 66.7 88.6 45.0
12:00 PM 1/28/2025 67.5 90.5 45.1
1:00 PM 1/28/2025 66.9 81.6 46.7
2:00 PM 1/28/2025 67.9 81.3 47.2
3:00 PM 1/28/2025 68.8 84.0 49.7
4:00 PM 1/28/2025 68.8 83.2 47.2
5:00 PM 1/28/2025 69.7 90.7 46.2
6:00 PM 1/28/2025 68.3 87.4 44.4
7:00 PM 1/28/2025 66.6 81.5 44.5
8:00 PM 1/28/2025 66.2 83.1 43.6
9:00 PM 1/28/2025 65.5 79.9 40.1
10:00 PM 1/28/2025 65.3 85.0 39.6
11:00 PM 1/28/2025 64.5 85.4 37.1
12:00 AM 1/29/2025 61.8 81.6 36.8
1:00 AM 1/29/2025 61.4 80.8 36.9
2:00 AM 1/29/2025 59.5 78.3 36.1
3:00 AM 1/29/2025 61.2 80.8 36.5
4:00 AM 1/29/2025 62.6 82.4 37.2
5:00 AM 1/29/2025 63.1 81.7 39.0
6:00 AM 1/29/2025 64.5 83.1 44.5
7:00 AM 1/29/2025 67.2 84.5 45.6
8:00 AM 1/29/2025 67.3 89.1 39.1
9:00 AM 1/29/2025 65.8 85.6 40.4
10:00 AM 1/29/2025 66.4 87.5 43.1
Source: Compiled by LSA Associates, Inc. (2025).
dBA = A-weighted decibel
Leq = equivalent continuous sound level
Lmax = maximum instantaneous noise level
Lmin = minimum measured sound level
Noise Measurement Survey – 24 HR
Project Number: ESL2201.102 Test Personnel: Corey Knips
Project Name: Citrus Walk - Fontana Equipment: LD Spark 706RC (SN: 18571)
Site Number: LT-2 Start Date: 1/28/2025 Time: From 11:00 a.m. To 11:00 a.m.
Site Location: Near the southwest corner of the project site, on a tree approximately 35 feet
from the Orlando Drive centerline and approximately 320 feet from the Baseline Avenue
centerline.
Primary Noise Sources: Traffic on Baseline Avenue and very light traffic on Orlando Drive.
Comments:
Photo:
Long-Term (24-Hour) Noise Level Measurement Results at LT-2
Start Time Date Noise Level (dBA)
Leq Lmax Lmin
11:00 AM 1/28/2025 58.4 76.1 42.2
12:00 PM 1/28/2025 58.6 79.9 41.0
1:00 PM 1/28/2025 59.0 80.2 42.1
2:00 PM 1/28/2025 60.4 79.4 42.1
3:00 PM 1/28/2025 61.8 77.3 45.6
4:00 PM 1/28/2025 61.0 77.6 44.3
5:00 PM 1/28/2025 60.3 79.8 42.4
6:00 PM 1/28/2025 59.5 80.1 42.0
7:00 PM 1/28/2025 59.3 84.4 42.9
8:00 PM 1/28/2025 58.4 74.1 40.2
9:00 PM 1/28/2025 55.7 74.1 37.5
10:00 PM 1/28/2025 55.4 72.4 37.0
11:00 PM 1/28/2025 54.0 75.9 37.2
12:00 AM 1/29/2025 52.6 72.5 36.8
1:00 AM 1/29/2025 51.3 70.6 36.8
2:00 AM 1/29/2025 51.2 72.1 36.5
3:00 AM 1/29/2025 53.1 76.9 36.6
4:00 AM 1/29/2025 54.3 72.8 36.9
5:00 AM 1/29/2025 56.6 74.7 40.5
6:00 AM 1/29/2025 58.9 75.8 46.6
7:00 AM 1/29/2025 62.3 83.1 48.8
8:00 AM 1/29/2025 59.9 73.7 41.0
9:00 AM 1/29/2025 58.0 73.1 39.3
10:00 AM 1/29/2025 58.4 83.8 40.0
Source: Compiled by LSA Associates, Inc. (2025).
dBA = A-weighted decibel
Leq = equivalent continuous sound level
Lmax = maximum instantaneous noise level
Lmin = minimum measured sound level
N OISE AND V IBRATION I MPACT A NALYSIS
M AY 2025
C ITRUS W ALK R ESIDENTIAL P ROJECT
F ONTANA, C ALIFORNIA
P:\A-E\ESL2201.102\Product\Citrus Walk Residential N&V Report_05122025.docx «05/12/25»
APPENDIX B
CONSTRUCTION NOISE CALCULATIONS
Phase: Site Preparation
Lmax Leq
Tractor 4 84 40 50 0.5 84 86
Dozer 3 82 40 50 0.5 82 83
Combined at 50 feet 86 88
Combined at Receptor 150 feet 77 78
Combined at Receptor 290 feet 71 72
Combined at Receptor 345 feet 69 71
Combined at Receptor 360 feet 69 71
Phase: Grading
Lmax Leq
Grader 1 85 40 50 0.5 85 81
Dozer 1 82 40 50 0.5 82 78
Tractor 3 84 40 50 0.5 84 85
Excavator 1 81 40 50 0.5 81 77
Combined at 50 feet 89 87
Combined at Receptor 150 feet 80 78
Combined at Receptor 290 feet 74 72
Combined at Receptor 345 feet 73 71
Combined at Receptor 360 feet 72 70
Phase:Building Construction
Lmax Leq
Man Lift 3 75 20 50 0.5 75 73
Crane 1 81 16 50 0.5 81 73
Generator 1 81 50 50 0.5 81 78
Tractor 3 84 40 50 0.5 84 85
Welder / Torch 1 74 40 50 0.5 74 70
Combined at 50 feet 87 86
Combined at Receptor 150 feet 78 77
Combined at Receptor 290 feet 72 71
Combined at Receptor 345 feet 71 69
Combined at Receptor 360 feet 70 69
Phase: Paving
Lmax Leq
Paver 1 77 50 50 0.5 77 74
Roller 2 80 20 50 0.5 80 76
Tractor 1 84 40 50 0.5 84 80
Drum Mixer 2 80 50 50 0.5 80 80
All Other Equipment > 5 HP 2 85 50 50 0.5 85 85
Combined at 50 feet 89 88
Combined at Receptor 150 feet 80 78
Combined at Receptor 290 feet 74 72
Combined at Receptor 345 feet 72 71
Combined at Receptor 360 feet 72 71
Phase:Architectural Coating
Lmax Leq
Compressor (air) 1 78 40 50 0.5 78 74
Combined at 50 feet 78 74
Combined at Receptor 150 feet 68 64
Combined at Receptor 290 feet 63 59
Combined at Receptor 345 feet 61 57
Sources: RCNM Combined at Receptor 360 feet 61 57
1- Percentage of time that a piece of equipment is operating at full power.
dBA – A-weighted Decibels
Lmax- Maximum Level
Leq- Equivalent Level
QuantityEquipment
Noise Level (dBA)
Construction Calculations
Equipment Quantity
Reference (dBA) 50 ft
Lmax
Usage
Factor1
Distance to
Receptor (ft) Ground Effects
Noise Level (dBA)
Noise Level (dBA)
Ground Effects
Distance to
Receptor (ft)
Usage
Factor1
Reference (dBA) 50 ft
Lmax
QuantityEquipment
Noise Level (dBA)
Ground Effects
Distance to
Receptor (ft)
Usage
Factor1
Reference (dBA) 50 ft
LmaxQuantityEquipment
Noise Level (dBA)
Ground Effects
Distance to
Receptor (ft)
Usage
Factor1
Reference (dBA) 50 ft
Lmax
Equipment Ground Effects
Distance to
Receptor (ft)
Usage
Factor1
Reference (dBA) 50 ft
LmaxQuantity
Construction Traffic Noise Calculator
Construction Phase
One-Way
Worker
Trip/Day
One Way
Vendor
Trip/Day
One Way
Hauling
Trip
Number Total
Phase
Number Phase Name Number of Days
Site Preparation 17.5 0 0 17.5 2 Site Preparation 10
Grading 15 0 0 15 3 Grading 25
Building Construction 38.9 5.77 0 44.67 4 Building
Construction 350
Paving 20 0 0 20 5 Paving 20
Architectural Coating 7.78 0 0 7.78 6 Architectural
Coating 35
Maximum 45
Speed MT Factor HT Factor
25 16 83.3
Roadway Speed Existing Volume MT Factor HT Factor 30 15 65
Baseline Avenue 45 13,200 12.6 38 35 14 53.3
40 13.2 45
45 12.6 38
Worker
Trip/Day
Vendor
Trip/Day
Hauling
Trip
Number Total
Overlap?50 12 33
Site Preparation 18 0 0 18 55 11.5 29
Grading 15 0 0 15 60 11.1 26
Building Construction 39 146 0 185 65 10.8 23
Paving 20 0 0 20
Architectural Coating 8 0 0 8
Overlap?N
Total Equivalent Vehicles 185
Noise Increase (dBA)0.1