In 1976 the Sacramento County Board of Supervisors recognized the need for a noise-control program by approving local ordinances and providing funds for two persons to implement a noise-<:<> ntrol program. This team spends most of their time in enforcement (60 percent) and land use (40 percent) activities. Details of the ordinances and the noise standards are presented. The major noise problems in the county involve transportation (highways, airports, trains, and waterways) and general complaints about loud noises (neighbors, radios, dogs, fixed mechanical sources, and so forth). Each transportation problem and the various state and federal laws that are involved are discussed. A case study is presented along with a solution to a problem of using a football stadium for rock concerts to satisfy the audience, adjacent residents, and pro-motors.

An overview of the noise-control activities in Sacramento County, California, is presented. These activities can provide a guide to other local agencies that wish to develop or supplement an ongoing noise-control program. The need for a noise program was recognized by the county long before any federal or state laws were enacted. Complaints about noise from such sources as barking dogs, loud radios, transformers, swimming pool pumps, air-conditioning units, and noisy neighbors were common. Usually the Sheriff or Health Department responded to the complaints with mixed results. Noise from highway traffic, aircrafts, trains, and boats generally went unabated.·