Section 20-2703. EXEMPTIONS: VEHICLES USING ONLY RAILS AND TRACKS

 

2703.1Sounds emanating from vehicles using only rails and tracks shall, to the extent indicated, be exempt from the specific noise limitations contained in § 2701 of this chapter; Provided, that the exemption shall not preclude enforcement under any other section of Chapters 27 and 28 of this subtitle.

 

2703.2Vehicles propelled only upon rails and tracks shall be exempt at all times.

 

2703.3Railroad cars operated by the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority shall be operated in a manner so as not to emit maximum noise levels in excess of those established in the following table when measured at a distance of one hundred feet (100 ft.) from the center line of the track, or at the nearest property line, whichever is the greater distance from the center line of track.

 

ZONE	MAXIMUM NOISE LEVEL
Residential, special purpose, or waterfront zone	75 dB(A)
Commercial or light- manufacturing zone	80 dB(A)
Industrial zone	90 dB(A)

 

2703.4In taking a measurement pursuant to § 2703.3, the slow meter response of the sound level meter shall be used, and the measurement shall be taken approximately five feet (5 ft.) above grade.

 

source

Section 5 of the District of Columbia Noise Control Act of 1977, D.C. Law 2-53, 24 DCR 5293, 5305 (December 30, 1977).