Orange County NC Website
03U has been filed concerning the nature of the use on Lot 11 - an <br /> auto repair shop . The complaint has addressed concerns about <br /> the excessive noise both during and after normal working hours, <br /> the unsightly nature of the operation, and travel safety since <br /> cars are parked within the right-of--way of Highway 70. The <br /> 1984 traffic count on US Highway 70 was 5,700 trips per day. <br /> Article 6 . 14 .2 of the Zoning Ordinance Csee attached copy) sets <br /> performance standards in regard to permitted noise levels. For <br /> properties zoned EC-5, noise levels cannot exceed 50 decibels <br /> between 7:00 am and 7:00 pm or 45 decibels between 7:00 pm and <br /> 7:00 am. For purposes of comparison, the noise level on a busy <br /> urban street is 90 decibels, while an accelerating motorcycle <br /> is rated at 110 decibels. The racing of automobile engines on <br /> Lot 11 would fall within the same general rating. <br /> The Sheriff 's Department has a decibel meter with which to <br /> determine If performance standards are met. The obvious <br /> problem of enforcement is that noise levels could be decreased <br /> at the time deputies appear to take measurements. A similar <br /> problem already exists in that automobile noise levels are <br /> increased after deputies have warned the occupants of the site <br /> that they are disturbing neighbors. <br /> RECOMMENDATION: The Planning Department recommends approval of the rezoning <br /> of Lot 10 from EC-5 to R-1 . The Planning Department recommends <br /> that Lot 11 be left in an R-1 classification . Non-residential <br /> uses on that site would become nonconforming and subject to the <br /> provisions of Article 11 .9 (see attached copy) . <br /> . ' <br />