Before a new development can proceed, whether residential, commercial or industrial, the proposed use and built form must meet the municipal requirements for the property including conformance to the Official Plan, zoning requirements and site plan conditions. In many cases, the ultimate development of either greenfield or brownfield lands may require amendments to the Official Plan or the zoning bylaws for the property. Those changes of land use introduce the potential of adverse noise or vibration impacts between new or existing sources of noise – roadways, railways, airports, industry – and new or existing sensitive uses – residences, hospitals, schools, and places of worship. Noise and Vibration Impact Studies or Assessments are required by municipal planning authorities before approving new or amended land use designations, to ensure that the adjacent land uses are compatible.

We work with urban planners, architects, developers and builders to incorporate abatement designs at either or both of the sources of noise and vibration or at the sensitive developments, in order to ensure that acceptable low levels of noise and vibration are achieved, and harmony between neighbors is maintained.

Noise and Vibration Impact Studies and Assessments may be required by:

• Municipal Planning and Land Use Authorities
• Land Use and Planning Tribunals
• Utilities and Infrastructure Authorities having precedence to comment on or appeal land use approvals, such as railways, transportation authorities, airport authorities, power transmission commissions, and pipeline companies