HUD Updates Noise Guidance to Allow More Balconies

HUD recently announced changes to its noise standards that will allow more exterior amenities such as balconies in new HUD-supported multifamily construction.

The department’s Office of Community Planning and Development revised and clarified its policy regarding building facades that are exposed to noise on Dec. 22.

“The market has shifted to a more urban sensibility,” said Kelley Klobetanz, Senior Vice President and FHA Deputy Chief Underwriter with Prudential Huntoon Paige Associates LLC, Edison, N.J. “Noise levels can increase in more urban environments. Basically, HUD [formerly] said it could not insure any property where the noise is over 75 decibels.”

Klobetanz noted that there is a point in between 65 and 75 decibels where developers could build multifamily housing, but HUD regulations would not allow the properties to have exterior amenities, “and that extends to balconies, so between 65 and 75 decibels you couldn’t have balconies,” she said.

Normal conversation at three to five feet ranges from 60 to 70 decibels, non-profit organization H.E.A.R said. The sound of city traffic from inside a car equals 85 decibels.

“We have seen growing demand for more urban product, and residents say they want balconies, so we saw a conflict,” Klobetanz said. 

MBA Associate Vice President of Multifamily Eileen Grey said HUD’s noise standards last received a partial refresh in the 1990s.”This puts the ‘urban development’ back in the Department of Housing and Urban Development,” Grey said. “This modernization supports development in more urban areas and provides apartment residents an amenity they desire.”

Grey noted that HUD’s guidance also pertains to other popular amenities such as rooftop barbeque pits and sundecks.

The notice, which can be viewed here, summarizes the changes to the HUD policy.

MBA’s FHA Committee held a conference call discussing the issue in detail on Tuesday.