Benton County, AR Noise Ordinances: Decibel Limits (2026)

3 governs Wind Energy Facilities. Any application for a large or utility-scale wind energy system filed with the Planning Board must include a noise study prepared by a qualified professional. Under Sec. f, that study must demonstrate the turbine will not produce noise in excess of 55 dBA at the property lines, except for short-term events such as utility outages and severe windstorms. The study must map the project's noise-producing features and identify noise-sensitive receptors, residences, hospitals, libraries, schools, places of worship, parks and outdoor workers, within 1,000 feet of the turbine, survey pre-existing ambient noise including seasonal variation, describe cumulative noise impacts, and detail mitigation measures to reduce impacts on those receptors to a level of insignificance.

Sport shooting ranges are held to a different, graduated standard under Sec. 6, Sound Abatement. A range is Unacceptable if sound exceeds 90 dBA for one hour out of 24, or 85 dBA for eight hours out of 24, with a receiver less than a quarter mile away. It is Discretionary if levels reach 80 dBA for eight hours out of 24 at a mile or more, or up to 75 dBA for six hours out of 24 beyond two miles. m. The Planning Board can require noise measurements consistent with Department of Energy or USEPA guidelines before approving either use.