Unfortunately, noise is omnipresent for most people. However, it is not just a temporary disruptive factor, but can also have long-term negative effects on well-being and health. Noise protection is therefore playing an increasingly important role, especially in conurbations and residential areas.
In the following blog article, you can find out why noise protection in and around residential areas is essential, what regulations and limit values there are for noise and how noise barriers are used here.
Noise protection in residential areas: why it is so important
Noise protection in residential areas is very important – whether in public transport, regular road traffic or beyond – because noise makes people ill. If people are permanently exposed to noise pollution, both their general quality of life and their health are affected. In the long term, for example, this can lead to hearing damage or high blood pressure caused by stress. At the same time, effective noise protection is also of interest to state and government decision-makers, as property values and the attractiveness of a residential area can be significantly influenced by noise.
Noise protection ordinance for residential areas: these regulations apply
Specific noise protection regulations apply in residential areas, which in Germany are set out in the Federal Immission Control Act (BImSchG). The aim is to permanently protect people, animals and the ecosystem from harmful environmental impacts. The so-called Technical Instructions on Noise Abatement (TA-Lärm) are also relevant in residential areas, as they specify the legal principles of the BImSchG with technical specifications and implementation proposals. A possible legal claim can also be derived from the TA-Lärm. In principle, residents of a residential area only have a legal claim to noise protection in the case of new buildings and significant changes to the surroundings, for example an extension of the roadway in road traffic. Beyond this, decisions are made on a case-by-case basis and the noise nuisance must be proven, including a detailed report. Inadmissible noise is also regulated by the Administrative Offenses Act (OWiG) and fines of up to €5,000 are imposed for violations.
Limit values for noise in residential areas
When it comes to determining whether there is a disturbance of the peace, the limit values specified by the BImSchG are important. On the one hand, the type of area is relevant here: In a purely residential area, for example, stricter immission guide values must be complied with than in an industrial area. Secondly, the time of day also plays a decisive role for noise in residential areas. It must be 15 dB quieter at night than during the day.
Neighborhood noise is also regulated in the Immission Control Act. This refers to all noises that are caused by the activities of private individuals and can be perceived as disturbing. A loud television, an unannounced party, working with certain gardening tools and even using the bottle bank fall into this category. For example, residents are not permitted to use a lawnmower on Sundays and public holidays or during the night-time quiet period from 8 pm to 7 am. In addition to these quiet periods, the following immission guide values for noise emissions are also decisive in the event of noise pollution from restaurants in residential areas:
Area type | Limit value in db(A)
Day
Night
Industrial area
70 dB
70 dB
Industrial estate
65 dB
50 dB
Urban areas
63 dB
45 dB
Core areas, village and mixed areas
60 dB
45 dB
General residential areas and small housing estates
55 dB
40 dB
Purely residential areas
50 dB
35 dB
Health resorts, hospitals and nursing homes
45 dB
35 dB
Noise pollution in residential areas: these measures are possible
Depending on whether the noise protection in the residential area is planned for private individuals or municipalities, other measures are possible in the event of noise pollution.
Residents and neighbors
If residents are affected by noise pollution in a residential area, there are various measures available to them. Since, as already mentioned, there is only a legal right to noise protection in exceptional situations, the first step is to talk to the person causing the noise and politely ask for the noise level to be reduced. If the noise is coming from neighbors or other tenants, you can contact the landlord or property management and ask for support. If the noise still does not decrease, the local regulatory authority can be called in. They will then check compliance with the noise protection regulations. The respective state office for the environment can also be of assistance. Finally, if the noise nuisance persists, it is advisable to seek legal assistance from a lawyer specializing in tenancy law or neighbourhood law.
Municipalities
Local authorities and all other administrative areas have more freedom and therefore more decision-making power. Noise pollution in residential areas can be effectively reduced by noise abatement measures such as soundproof windows and doors, i.e. passive noise protection. Soundproof walls are also particularly useful. For example, if there is noise pollution from neighboring businesses in the residential area, the industrial area can be shielded sustainably and for the long term with green noise protection such as that from RAU®.
Prevent neighborhood noise with sound insulation from RAU®
When it comes to noise protection in residential areas, the RAU® range includes various noise barriers that can be optimally integrated into a wide variety of housing estates. For example, RAU® Climate Wall can provide noise protection at sports facilities, while mixed-use areas with businesses can benefit from RAU® ClimateWall S. Products such as RAU® Photovoltaic, on the other hand, are both greenable and visually appealing, and offer sound insulation of up to 68 dB and sound absorption of up to 20 dB for the immission area.
Noise barriers for residential areas from RAU®: sustainable & efficient
In addition to highly efficient sound insulation, green noise barriers from RAU® are characterized above all by their ecological and sustainable properties and particularly easy maintenance. At the same time, they actively contribute to species protection by taking the regional flora and fauna into account from the planning stage right through to installation. Regardless of whether you choose our climate barrier or another noise barrier from our range for your next noise protection project in a residential area: RAU® is the right place for you. As one of the leading manufacturers of noise barriers in Germany, we stand for first-class quality and 100% made in Germany, without exception.