HB2449: Noise abatement structures; local gov. bodies to adopt ordinance requiring developers to construct.
Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:
1. That the Code of Virginia is amended by adding in Article 6 of Chapter 22 of Title 15.2 a section numbered 15.2-2279.1 as follows:
§ 15.2-2279.1. Local noise abatement structure ordinances required.
The governing body of every county, city, and town shall, no later than January 1, 2008, adopt an ordinance requiring developers to construct, as part of any development abutting any highway or planned highway, in conjunction with such development, any and all noise walls or other noise mitigation structures that may be required to protect properties within the development from highway noise levels that exceed or will exceed standards established by the Virginia Department of Transportation or the federal government. If a noise impact study is required, such study may be conducted by the county, city, or town, by the Department, or by a reputable business with demonstrated expertise in acoustic engineering pursuant to a contract with the county, city, or town, the Department, or the developer whose development may be subject to noise impacts. Every ordinance adopted pursuant to this section shall become effective no later than July 1, 2008.
