This scenario is totally dependent on where you live in Costa Rica. For those areas where the noise level is steadily rising, is it just the way of “progress” or “culture” or is it just another unwanted invasion of the new reality?

I enjoy waking up just before sunrise here in Flamingo, Guanacaste. I hear the birds, some howler’s roaring and the sound of the waves crashing on the beach. Hardly any traffic to interrupt the surreal bliss of this precious time of pura vida.

Fast forward a few hours and of course, you have construction, which is expected. By the late afternoon, here comes the screaming motorcycles ensuring you know they are passing through and be assured, they will make a few more passes. Often the groups go on into the night, even late night.

Noise Pollution and Your Home Selection in Costa Rica

When searching for a new home in Costa Rica, it is crucial to consider the impact of noise pollution. The level of noise in your surroundings can greatly affect the tranquility of your living situation and the value of your property. This issue varies depending on the specific area you are exploring. While some regions in Costa Rica are free from noise pollution, even smaller communities may have disturbances from loud motorcyclists passing by.

Here are some key points to consider:

Understanding Noise Pollution in Costa Rica
Costa Rica is actively working on implementing laws to address noise pollution. The government aims to ensure that residents live in a healthy and pleasant environment. Businesses that generate excessive noise may face fines, and the Ministry of Health will monitor noise levels to ensure compliance with regulations.

Impact on Property Value
Proximity to noisy locations such as highways or airports can diminish the appeal of your property to potential buyers, ultimately lowering its value over time. Living near an airport can be particularly bothersome due to the constant noise from passing planes.

Evaluating Your Potential Home
Factors to Consider
Location: Survey the area surrounding your potential home for sources of noise such as highways, airports, or bustling commercial areas.
Environmental Features: Look for natural barriers like hills or trees that can help mitigate noise from the city or roads.
Local Regulations: Familiarize yourself with noise ordinances in your area, including restrictions on noise levels for businesses and operating hours.

Practical Tips for Managing Noise
Soundproofing: Invest in soundproofing measures such as heavy curtains, rugs, and sealing gaps around windows and doors to minimize noise infiltration.

When planning the layout of your home, consider how the placement of rooms can influence the overall ambiance. Positioning quieter rooms away from noisy areas can significantly enhance the peaceful atmosphere of your home.

Yes, There Are “Laws” Concerning Noise

Costa Rica is famous for its beautiful landscapes, diverse wildlife, and relaxed way of life. But when it comes to noise, they take it seriously. As someone who has visited Costa Rica and fallen in love with its tranquility, I was inspired to learn more about their noise laws.

Costa Rica has specific rules about noise levels in different areas like residential, commercial, and industrial zones. They follow the World Health Organization’s guidelines to keep noise at acceptable levels and protect public health and the environment.

If you’re in a residential area, the noise level should be no more than 55 decibels during the day and 45 decibels at night. In commercial areas, it’s 65 decibels during the day and 55 decibels at night. And in industrial areas, it’s 75 decibels during the day and 65 decibels at night.

The Ministry of Health and local municipalities are in charge of making sure these rules are followed. If you break the noise laws, you could face fines or even legal action. And if you’re bothered by loud noises, you can report it to the authorities for help.

A study in San José, the capital of Costa Rica, found that traffic and construction noise were the main sources of urban noise pollution. This research showed the need for stricter enforcement of noise laws and the use of sound barriers in busy areas.

As someone who loves nature, I appreciate Costa Rica’s efforts to protect its acoustic environment. The country’s rainforests and wildlife thrive in peaceful surroundings, so it’s important to follow the noise laws. By respecting these rules, we can help preserve Costa Rica’s natural beauty for future generations.

Costa Rica’s noise laws are crucial for maintaining a harmonious and sustainable environment. Let’s all do our part to keep the peace and quiet in this beautiful country.

Silence as a right: A cutting-edge global trend is advancing in Costa Rica

By Rico on 2 October 2024

QCOSTARICA — In a world where noise has become an unwanted companion in many cases, the search for silence, a movement that advocates for the creation of positive soundscapes, not only for citizen well-being, but also to strengthen key sectors such as ecotourism, has emerged as a cutting-edge trend worldwide.

Costa Rica is no exception. For this reason, Legislator Antonio Ortega and the Costa Rica Sin Ruido collective are promoting a bill that would create positive soundscapes in the urban environment.

“With this project, we are talking about introducing and promoting the concept of positive soundscapes as a concept linked to the right to health and a healthy and ecologically balanced environment,” said the Frente Amplio legislator.

The ‘Frontiers’ report, published in 2022 by the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP), underlines the importance of moving away from noisy environments and migrating to neighborhoods and cities with sound peace.

Examples of these sounds include birdsong, the rustling of the wind, and the murmur of water.

Cities more advanced in this trend, such as Lyon, France and Barcelona, Spain, have implemented policies that reduce the deafening sounds of railways, motorcycles, and industries while protecting silence in key areas such as parks, hospitals, and residential areas.

These European examples stand out for being in line with the recommendations of the World Health Organization (WHO), which suggests keeping noise levels below 55 decibels during the day and between 40-45 decibels at night.

In Costa Rica, noise control regulations fall short of international best practices.

Currently, a decree from the Ministry of Health sets limits of 65 decibels during the day and 40 decibels at night for residential areas; which means that we are failing to meet WHO standards and therefore, a law is required to protect citizens’ right to a healthy and balanced environment.

Noise is not just a nuisance. It is a risk factor for the development of cardiovascular and metabolic disorders, such as high blood pressure and diabetes. In addition, it affects the quality of sleep and causes stress, irritability, and inadequate learning and work environments.

“Positive soundscapes have a totally opposite effect, as they increase concentration and productivity, while improving the quality of life,” said Eduardo Sasso of the citizen collective Costa Rica Sin Ruido.

“Costa Rica, with its rich biodiversity and natural appeal, has a unique opportunity to adopt this cutting-edge trend.

“By doing so, it would not only improve the quality of life of its citizens but would also reinforce its position as a leading ecotourism destination, where silence and the sounds of nature become a right and a privilege for all. It is time to pay tribute to the positive sounds that have graced our natural environment for millions of years,” Sasso concluded.

The keys to success. According to Costa Rica Sin Ruido, there are two ways to reduce noise levels and increase positive sounds in our environments: the corrective approach and the preventive or proactive approach.

Among the corrective measures are:

The creation of green curtains, where noise reduction can be enhanced by choosing native plants and trees suitable for the design of outdoor spaces.
Noise barriers, by building 3-4 meter walls between busy streets and residential areas.
Acoustic windows can reduce noise levels by up to 25-30%.
Complaints involve the police and municipalities in reducing noisy environments in neighborhoods
Among the preventive measures are:

Encourage electric transport that generates lower noise levels.
Active mobility supporting municipal and state policies.
The “Frontiers 2022: Noises, Blazes, and Mistmaches” report published by the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP), established the quietest and busiest urban environments on the planet, such as Toronto and Montreal, Canada, as the quieter and New York City, United States, as the more bustling in North America.

In Latin America, Talca, Chile is quieter while Bogota, Colombia and Puerta Vallarta, Mexico are the noisiest; in Europe, Lyon, France and Barcelona, Spain the quieter, while London, England more bustling.

What Can A Community Do?

Costa Rican communities can take several proactive steps to combat noise pollution, especially in light of recent legislative efforts aimed at promoting quieter environments. Here are some strategies that can be implemented:

Community Strategies to Combat Noise Pollution

1. Support Legislative Initiatives

Communities should actively support and engage with the proposed legislation that aims to tackle noise pollution. This includes:

• Advocating for Strong Enforcement: Encourage local authorities to enforce noise regulations effectively, ensuring that businesses and individuals adhere to acceptable noise levels.
• Participating in Public Discussions: Attend community meetings or forums to voice concerns and suggest improvements related to noise control measures.

2. Promote Positive Soundscapes

Communities can work towards creating “positive soundscapes” by:

• Encouraging Quiet Zones: Designate specific areas as quiet zones where loud noises are restricted, such as near schools, hospitals, and residential neighborhoods.
• Implementing Green Spaces: Develop parks and green areas that not only provide recreational spaces but also act as natural sound barriers.

3. Community Awareness and Education

Raising awareness about the impacts of noise pollution can foster a more considerate community:

• Educational Campaigns: Launch campaigns to inform residents about the health effects of noise pollution and the importance of maintaining a peaceful environment.
• Workshops on Noise Reduction: Organize workshops that teach residents how to reduce noise in their homes, such as soundproofing techniques and the use of quieter appliances.

4. Collaboration with Local Businesses

Engage with local businesses to promote quieter practices:

• Noise Reduction Agreements: Encourage businesses to adopt noise-reducing practices, such as using quieter machinery or limiting loud activities during nighttime hours.
• Incentives for Compliance: Consider offering incentives for businesses that comply with noise regulations, such as tax breaks or public recognition.

5. Utilize Technology for Monitoring

Implement technology solutions to monitor and manage noise levels:

• Noise Monitoring Systems: Install community noise monitoring systems that provide real-time data on noise levels, helping identify problem areas.
• Mobile Apps: Develop or promote apps that allow residents to report excessive noise easily, facilitating quicker responses from authorities.

(Note: what the “authorities” do with the reports is another chapter.)

By implementing these strategies, Costa Rican communities can effectively combat noise pollution, enhancing the quality of life for their residents while aligning with national efforts towards a healthier, more peaceful environment.