Exterior noise intrusion
- 72 ADA accessible design standards
- 73 Ergonomics: visual and physical
- 74 Exterior noise intrusion
- 75 Internally generated noise
- 76 Thermal comfort
- 77 Olfactory comfort
- 78 Reverberation time
- 79 Sound masking
- 80 Sound reducing surfaces
- 81 Sound barriers
- 82 Individual thermal control
- 83 Radiant thermal comfort
- 205 Impact reducing flooring
74. Exterior noise intrusion
Loud or repetitious exterior noises can be a source of stress, particularly in urban areas where they can be unrelenting. Preventing excessive exterior noise from reaching building interiors can help improve occupant well-being and comfort.
This feature sets indoor sound level limits for noises originating outside of the building. These limits help ensure that exterior noise does not distract building occupants.
Part 1: Sound Pressure Level
Each regularly occupied space meets the following sound pressure level as measured when the space and adjacent spaces are unoccupied, but within 1 hour of normal business hours:
a) Average sound pressure level from outside noise intrusion is less than or equal to 50 dBA.
Part 2: Noise Criteria in Living Areas
Each regularly occupied living space and bedroom meets the following noise criteria while unoccupied, as measured in the geometric center of the room:
a) Sleeping areas have a noise criteria (NC) less than 35.
Part 4: Noise Criteria in Schools
Each regularly occupied space must meet the following noise criteria while unoccupied, as measured in the geometric center of the room:
a) Spaces for instruction: less than 25.
b) All other spaces: less than 30.
Cardiovascular
Endocrine
Nervous
Applicability Matrix
| Core & Shell | New Construction | WELL Interiors | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Part 1: Sound Pressure Level | P | P | O |
| Part 2: Noise Criteria in Living Areas | - | - | - |
| Part 3: Noise Criteria in Living Spaces [DELETE] | - | - | - |
| Part 4: Noise Criteria in Schools | - | - | - |
| Commercial Kitchen | Education | Multifamily Residential | Retail | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Part 1: Sound Pressure Level | - | - | - | O |
| Part 2: Noise Criteria in Living Areas | - | - | O | - |
| Part 3: Noise Criteria in Living Spaces [DELETE] | - | - | P | - |
| Part 4: Noise Criteria in Schools | - | P | - | - |
Verification Methods Matrix
| Letters of Assurance | Annotated Documents | On-Site Checks | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
PART 1 (Performance) Sound Pressure Level |
Performance Test | ||
|
PART 2 (Performance) Noise Criteria in Living Areas |
Performance Test | ||
|
PART 3 (Performance) Noise Criteria in Living Spaces [DELETE] |
Performance Test | ||
|
PART 4 (Performance) Noise Criteria in Schools |
Performance Test |