• Construction Noise
• Measurement
• Noise Barriers
• Noise Compatible Planning
  • Federal Approach
  • Regulation
  • U.S. Examples
  • Workshops
• Regulation and Guidance
• Resources
• Tire Pavement Noise
• Traffic Noise Model
• Training

Noise Compatible Planning

Federal Application

While the Federal government has no authority to control land use development, the FHWA has written several documents regarding NCP. These reports can be accessed on our website by clicking the appropriate hyperlink.

• The Audible Landscape: A Manual for Highway Noise and Land Use or (PDF - 11.6 MB)
  • Abstract: This report was developed to assist local government officials in dealing with the problems of noise-sensitive land uses and to indicate ways in which local governments can guide the development of undeveloped land in the vicinity of highways. It is intended for anyone interested in addressing the problems of highway traffic noise in local growth and development activities.
  • Author: FHWA
  • Publication Year: 1972, reprinted 1974, 1979, 1992
  • Redistribution Memorandum Date: October 11, 1995
  • Contact: The Office of Natural Environment
• Entering the Quiet Zone: Noise Compatible Land Use Planning or (PDF - 2.8 MB)
  • Abstract: This brochure 1) summarizes the general nature of highway traffic noise, 2) provides examples of Noise Compatible Land Use strategies either constructed or planned, and 3) encourages a proactive posture by local decision makers, developers and citizens to share in and actively influence land use next to highways.
  • Distribution Memo Date: September 26, 2002
• “Living with Noise”
  • Abstract: This report discusses the concept of NCP and some of the basic techniques used.
  • Author: Chris Corbisier, FHWA Noise Team
  • Publication Date: Public Roads Magazine, July-August 2003