residential-sound-program

• Only homeowners of residential properties within the specifically designated SEL 95 dBA noise contour will be invited to apply for the RSP (see Map).

• Properties within the noise contour with applications on file will be acoustically tested for eligibility.

• Properties that test at or above SEL 80 dBA in interior sleeping areas with windows closed, as measured by the UC Davis Health sound consultant, will be considered eligible for the RSP and may receive acoustical treatments in sleeping areas of the home.

• All homeowners of eligible properties, as listed on the title, must be willing to sign the required legal documents for participation in the RSP.

• Property owners have 12 months after the date of notification about the Program to apply for the Program.

• During the design phase of the RSP, the existing conditions of each dwelling are evaluated by the RSP Design Team to develop a scope of work.

• Hazardous materials (e.g., lead and asbestos) testing is also conducted as part of the Design Phase.

• Following homeowner and UC Davis Medical Center approval of the scope of work for each dwelling, pre-qualified prime contractors are selected by the RSP to perform the work.

• The Construction phase consists of ordering of materials and installation of products in accordance with the plans and specifications developed by the Design Team.

• Construction oversight is provided on a daily basis, and inspections of the completed work are performed at pre-determined milestones.

• All RSP participants are provided with workmanship and product warranty information.

• Following construction close-out, RSP staff provides homeowners with follow-up warranty assistance.

1. Will participation in the program cost me anything?
No – there is no financial cost to the homeowner for program treatments. In some cases, homeowner “pre-work” may be required which is at the homeowner’s expense (e.g., adding a carbon monoxide or smoke detector if one is missing).

2. I recently installed new windows and doors, and my home is eligible for the program. Can I be reimbursed?
No. Work completed by homeowners prior to participation in the program is NOT eligible for reimbursement. However, homes within the specifically designated SEL 95 dBA noise contour can still apply and have the sleep areas tested for eligibility into the Program.

3. Will my property be reassessed due to the installation of the sound insulation treatments?
No, the RSP will not result in the County Assessor’s Office increasing the value of a home.

4. How much quieter will my home be after the sound insulation treatments are installed?
The program’s goal is to reduce the interior noise level in sleeping areas of participating homes by at least five (5) dB, which is a noticeable difference.

5. How long will it take for new windows and doors to be installed in the sleeping areas of my home?
In most cases, the Contractor will have 10-14 working days to complete the work at each home.

6. Do I have to attend any community meetings in order to participate?
No, it is not necessary to attend any meetings in order to participate in the program. However, meetings will be held over the life of the program to provide information to homeowners, answer questions, and address concerns.

1. Do I get my choice of product styles and colors?
Whenever possible, windows and doors are replaced in the same style that is installed in your home at the time of the design assessment appointment. On occasion, a style may need to be changed to comply with building code requirements and product availability. You will make your color selections with the contractor at the measurement appointment. All colors must be finalized at the measurement appointment so the contractor can order your products.

2. Can I purchase my own hardware for the Contractor to install?
No, all products installed will come with the manufacturer direct high-quality hardware. Due to the uniqueness of the acoustical products, privately purchased hardware may not fit and replacement hardware may void the manufacturer’s warranty.

1. How long does construction take on a home?
In most cases, the Contractor will complete the work in 10-14 working days.

2. Do I have to be present for the entire construction duration, or can a friend or family member be present for me during construction?
It is preferable that the homeowner or an acting legal agent be present during construction. If neither can be present, construction may continue but the homeowner or a designee must be available if a product or installation issue arises.

3. How do I know the construction that will take place meets all current code requirement?
The Program is required to meet all building codes and standards. During construction, the RSP Construction Inspector will visit your home to verify all work is in accordance with the plans and specifications. After construction is complete, a City Building Inspector may visit your property to verify the work completed complies with applicable building codes. They will then sign off on the open building permit for your home. If the City’s Inspector discovers code violations or installation issues with any part or portion of your scope of work under the Program, they will notify the RSP contractor, who will be required to resolve the issue for the permit to be closed.

4. How do I know my property will be safe during construction?
Any windows and doors that are removed will be replaced, operational and lockable within the same day. Should asbestos or lead paint be found in your home, the contractor will be required to take the proper precautions and follow applicable local, state, and federal procedures. The contractors are fully insured to cover property damage, should it occur due to construction. However, the homeowner is responsible for securing all valuables during construction.

1. Does the RSP provide maintenance on the products installed?
Each product installed will be covered by a manufacturer’s warranty. The warranty period will vary with each manufacturer. Following the completion of your home, you will be provided with a warranty package containing all warranty information for all products installed in your home. Upon completion of construction, the homeowner is responsible for the maintenance of all UC Davis Medical Center RSP materials and products in their home.

2. Is there a workmanship warranty?
Yes, the RSP contractors are required to provide a two-year material and labor warranty from the date of final completion. Homeowners will be responsible for contacting the contractor directly for warranty calls. Included in your warranty package will be the contractor’s warranty and contact information. Following the two-year warranty period, all warranty calls must be directed to the product manufacturer.

1. What does SEL mean?
SEL means “sound exposure level” and it is the noise metric commonly used to describe helicopter noise.

2. What is the SEL 95dBA noise contour?
This is the area where outside noise levels have been modeled to be 95 decibels (dBA) or higher when emergency helicopters approach or depart the medical helipads at the UC Davis Medical Center Hospital.

3. How was the contour modeled?
Noise contours were created using the Computer-Aided Noise Abatement (CadnaA) Model, an internationally accepted environmental noise software application. Modeled noise results were compared to noise measurements taken at UC Davis Medical Center to verify accuracy of the computer modeling. Flight paths, helicopter altitudes, helicopter noise data, and relevant surrounding site features were modeled to compare measured results against modeled results.

4. Why is 95dBA used as a requirement for potential eligibility into the program?
The criteria used to determine noise impacts from helicopter operations at the UC Davis Medical Center helipads is sleep disturbance. The commonly accepted metric for assessing sleep disturbance is the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) standard of an outdoor SEL that exceeds 95 dBA.