From shopping plazas to big box retail zones. From grocery and pharmacy chains to car washes and restaurants with drive-throughs, HGC Engineering offers noise assessments in support of municipal site plan and land-use rezoning approvals for developers, land-owners, architects and planners. The noise studies HGC Engineering conducts in the province of Ontario are in conformance with the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) Guidelines for Noise Control in Land Use Planning.
Typically these types of noise studies investigate the potential noise impact of commercial and retail plazas activities and operations on residences in the direct vicinity of these kind of developments. For low-rise commercial, retail and mixed-use buildings and plazas, this requires investigating noise emanating from rooftop heating, ventilation and cooling (HVAC) systems, as well as loading areas/docks and drive through zones.
Acoustical Engineering Services Provided
During Planning Phase
For site plan and land-use rezoning approval by municipality and impacted transit/transportation authorities:
- Noise Assessment for Feasibility Studies
- Traffic Noise and Vibration Studies
- Noise Mitigation Support
- Site Plan Approval support
- Building Permit/Detailed plan support
- Expert Witness Testimony
- Peer Review
Post-Construction
- Noise audits and letters of certification for occupancy permit approval
- Occupant noise complaint forensics and troubleshooting
Commercial and Retail Plazas Related Noise Studies Involves
- Information Gathering
We gather information on planned rooftop mechanical equipment (roof plan, model numbers, tonnages and specifications), trucking information and tenancies, if any and if known. If the type of rooftop mechanical equipment has not yet been selected, we make reasonable assumptions based on the floor area of the buildings and past experience with similar projects. We also gather information on the hours of operation of any proposed drive-throughs, gas stations and typical truck deliveries in a worst case hour, if any. - Site Sound Level Measurements
We then visit the site and conduct sound level measurements to determine the existing ambient sound levels at the existing or future residences, identify the acoustical environment, significant noise sources and become acquainted with the topography of the site.
Ministry of the Environment acceptability criteria are based on the ambient noise levels at the proposed or existing neighbouring residences in the quietest hour the sources will operate. To develop criteria, we use predictions of sound levels from the nearby roadway from traffic data obtained from the municipality, or site measurements, as appropriate.
Who We Help
Our Markets
Engineers, Architects, Planners, Environmental Health & Safety Specialists, Developers, Owners/Operators and Property Managers in sectors including:
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