Page 2262 - trc_centennial_deir201705

12.0 Glossary

Noise Attenuation: Reduction of the level of a noise source with distance using a substance,
material, or surface, such as earth berms and/or solid concrete walls.

Noise Barrier: A wall or other solid structure constructed with the objective of attenuating
(i.e., reducing) noise behind the barrier; commonly, a noise wall along a roadway.

Noise Cone: A three-dimensional cone-shaped representation of noise impacts of aircraft
use.

Noise Contour: A line connecting points of equal noise level as measured on the same scale.
Noise levels greater than the 60 Ldn contour (measured in dBA) require noise attenuation in
residential development.

Noise Disturbance: An alleged intrusive noise which violates an applicable standard, as set
forth in the Los Angeles County Code (see Section 12.08.230, Noise disturbance, of the Los
Angeles County Code).

Noise Element: One of the seven State-mandated elements of a local general plan. It assesses
noise levels of highways and freeways, local arterials, railroads, airports, local industrial
plants, and other ground stationary sources, and adopts goals, policies, and implementation
programs to reduce the community's exposure to noise.

Noise Sensitive Use: Any use (i.e., residential development) or designated geographic area
(i.e., hospital complex) where “intrusive noise” is incompatible with the conduct of the noise
sensitive uses or constitutes a “noise disturbance” for residents or works. “Noise sensitive
areas” are not specifically defined in the County Code. Typical noise-sensitive uses can
include schools, day-care centers, hospitals, and other types of uses.

Non-Attainment: The condition of not achieving a desired or required level of performance.
Frequently used in reference to air quality. A geographic area identified by the USEPA and/or
the California Air Resources Board as not meeting either National or California Ambient Air
Quality standards for a given pollutant.

Non-Conforming Use: A use that was valid when brought into existence, but by subsequent
regulation becomes no longer conforming. "Non-conforming use" is a generic term and
includes (1) non-conforming structures (by virtue of size, type of construction, location on
land, or proximity to other structures), (2) non-conforming use of a conforming building, (3)
non-conforming use of a non-conforming building, and (4) non-conforming use of land. Thus,
any use lawfully existing on any piece of property that is inconsistent with a new or amended
General Plan, and that in turn is a violation of a zoning ordinance amendment subsequently
adopted in conformance with the General Plan, will be a non-conforming use. Typically, non-
conforming uses are permitted to continue for a designated period of time, subject to certain
restrictions.

Non-Growth Area: A geographic subarea used in Ventura County population forecasts to
refer to an area where urban development is not expected to occur.

R:\Projects\PAS\CEN\000306\Draft EIR\12.0_Glossary-051017.docx 12-54 Centennial Project
Draft EIR