What is a special use location and how do we analyze them?
A special use location is typically any location that is not a residence or a commercial property where quantifying the impacts and analyzing abatement is difficult. This would include: picnic areas, recreation areas, playgrounds, active sports areas, parks, motels, hotels, schools, churches, libraries, and hospitals. The analysis for special use locations is typically done on a case-by-case basis. Several States have described how they handle special use locations. For example, some States will define a special use as equal to ten residences, while others will define a special use as equal to one residence. Other States will define the special use by dividing the special use lot frontage to the roadway as compared to the typical resid ential lot frontage to come up with a conversion factor. There are several others procedures for handling special use locations. If a State has a procedure, we recommend they place that procedure in their noise policy, to minimize environmental justice c
