Drafting Service Sydney - Understanding acoustics and its effect to your development

"Is your property or land, located near the aircraft noise zones or close to a railway station/track or on a main classified busy road?"

For a small proportion of lands in Sydney, are located either very close to a railway station or track, on a main road like the Hume Highway or Pacific Highway, or simply that there will be frequence planes flying across their roofs." When you are planning to lodge a Development Application/ Complying Development Certificate for a new build, extensions or first floor additions, an acoustic report may be required.

What is an acoustic report?

An acoustic report is a report prepared and tested by a acoustic consultant. The report genearlly coveres include a noise assessment or the aircraft noise, road noises, train noise or building noises (a club for example). A good acoustic consultant also provide acoustical design for noise control, Noise testing, vibration testing, acoustic calcuations and noise compliance certification. For most households, Noise control is most important as it gives solutions to the specification of windows, walls, door or setbacks to reduce significant noise caused to the occupants for daily living.

What does the Acoustic Report refer to?

Within Australia, the most common regulations that needs to be compliable are: Australian Standards and NCC (National Construction Code).

To be more specific, these are the codes that are critical.

• Australian Standard 3671-1989 “Acoustics – Road traffic noise intrusion – Building siting and construction”;
• Australian Standard 2107-2000 “Acoustics – Recommended design sound levels and reverberation times for building interiors”;
• NSW Road Noise Policy published by the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA);
• Development Near Rail Corridors and Busy Roads – Interim Guidelines published by the NSW Department of Planning;
• State Environment Planning Policy (Infrastructure) 2007.

How do I know if I required one?

Most council provide a zoning map showing the ANEF noise chart. This chart determines whether your land/property is within these zones. ANEF (Aircraft Noise Exposure Forecast) are there mostly for locations where it is close to airports, or with high aircraft traffic.

Example of a ANEF map: Marrickville Council

If you are also close to a primary road, or near a railway station track, you will be likely to required one. 

What should I do if I am planning to extend my current home or building a new house? Do I need to get a acoustic report first?

Speak to a residential drafting design consultant first, let them understand the nature of your land and what your council's requirements are, prior to ordering any reports.