Reducing noise in backyard only

[Shane112358]

We recently moved into a house which butts up against a 35mph 4-lane.  The house is about 40' from the street, and while we can hear the traffic in the house when quiet, it doesn't bother us whatsoever.

What _does_ bother us, however, is the traffic noise when in the backyard.  Currently we have a 6' fence with open slots - not ideal at all.  We're trying to figure out what we can do that is either within code or ambiguous enough to get away with it being out of code.  Code in question in next post.

Thanks!  

[Shane112358]

http://www.colocode.com/boulder2/chapter9-9.htm#section9_9_15

So far my ideas are a double layer fence with rigid foam insulation between the layers, 7' tall with a lattice/acrylic combo 3' topper.  Should be able to get away with that. Other idea is a high retaining wall + 42" fence, which seems to be legal although the guy at the city told me no.  But upon repeated readings it seems as though he is incorrect and I should be able to build a retaining wall as high as I want and put a 42" fence on top of that.  My concern there is cost, plus not sure if the city will actually let me do it.

[Shane112358]

Also we are in an area designated as high traffic in the referenced code but so far have been unsuccessful in getting info about how to apply for this waiver.

[Randy S]

Ok, this is a quite common issue, refer to this thread for the basic concept and give me a call so we can discuss the particulars in order to achieve the reduction that justifies the costs.


http://supersoundproofing.com/forum/index.php/topic,3309.0.html



Randy S.