Siting criteria and policies

Siting criteria and policies. (1) Noise barriers shall be designed to provide protection only to the ground floor of abutting buildings and not other parts of the buildings. (2) For the department to consider a site for construction of a noise barrier, the site shall meet the following criteria: (a) For retrofit projects, a receptor shall be exposed to existing noise levels which equal or exceed the levels in Table 1. (b) For new highway projects, a receptor shall have predicted future noise levels which equal or exceed the levels in Table 1 or which exceed existing noise levels by 15 decibels or more. (c) A noise barrier protecting a receptor shall reduce noise levels by a minimum of 8 decibels. (d) The total cost of a noise barrier may not exceed $30,000 in 1988 dollars per abutting residence. The department may annually adjust this $30,000 maximum figure up or down based on changes in the construction price index after 1988. Other land use categories shall be analyzed on a site specific basis to determine cost effectiveness.