Murcia- Leisure Noise Map

Description

The programme began in 2014 with the adoption of the first Municipal Noise Ordinance, laying the foundation for reducing noise from leisure activities. In order to ensure that regulations are adapted to different types of establishments, the ordinance classifies music venues into three categories. Group 1 allows music levels up to 110 dB(A), Group 2 up to 95 dB(A), and Group 3 up to 75 dB(A). Additionally, the city introduced monitoring and planning tools, such as the development of a Leisure Noise Map and the installation of limiters‑controllers‑recorders (LCRs) in venues. LCRs are tamper-proof sound monitoring devices that transmit real-time data on sound emission levels. 

Drawing on sound level measurements collected across terraces and busy streets, the Leisure Noise Map serves as a key tool for analysing sounds levels, planning, and evaluating noise‑control measures. 

It maps conflict zones where limits are frequently exceeded and establishes Special Acoustic Protection Areas with targeted regulations. Acoustic restrictions vary by area and street, and establishments are required to display signs on their premises indicating their designated noise zone. In the high-tension areas, measures to mitigate noise include restricting the number of seats and opening hours for outdoor terraces. The periodic review of LCRs enables real-time verification that maximum noise limits are not exceeded. The Leisure Noise Map, first published in 2016 and updated in 2017, is now revised every three to four years to reflect evolving conditions.

The city currently operates 170 sound LCRs, of which 50 class‑2 and 10 class‑1 sound level meters were installed in public streets in 2021 under the EU Next Generation Funds programme. Class 1 meters provide higher precision and accuracy in measuring sound pressure levels, whereas Class 2 meters are generally more cost-effective. Class-2 sound level meters are placed in strategic locations such as near hospitals or major traffic corridors. 

These technical and regulatory measures were complemented by a broader governance approach to ensure public involvement and effective enforcement. Murcia implemented an innovative governance framework to address these issues, based on strong citizen participation involving residents, business owners, academic institutions, and local authorities. A Leisure Police force was also created to enforce the noise regulations and the licensing restrictions aiming to limit the density and operating hours of terraces and street vendors in sensitive areas. 

Together, these participatory and technology‑driven measures have strengthened social cohesion, improved compliance, and enabled a more transparent, evidence‑based noise management.

Results (achieved or expected)

• A key indicator of effectiveness is the sharp decline in complaints linked to major night leisure venues. Before the 2014 ordinance, the city recorded 69 noise complaints, whereas by 2025 this number had fallen to 28. This represents an approximate 60% reduction and highlights the effectiveness of the control and monitoring measures implemented by Murcia’s City Council. 

• Comparisons between the 2017 and 2019 Leisure Noise Maps show reduced noise levels. Areas previously identified as the noisiest are now better controlled, pointing to a measurable improvement in the sound environment.

• Murcia successfully implemented one of the few European initiatives to explicitly address leisure noise. These results provide a pioneering reference for cities worldwide faced with comparable issues.

Success Factors

• The municipality ran awareness campaigns in 2018 and 2022 to increase understanding of the ordinance and encourage compliance.
• Effective coordination and continuous oversight, combined with periodic reviews of noise limiters, helped ensure the consistent application of measures over time.
• Venues have widely complied with the ordinance.
• On-site inspections have reinforced implementation and allowed issues to be addressed promptly.
• The municipality set up an annual “Noise Table” bringing together key stakeholders to discuss noise management, including city council technicians and citizens.

Obstacles and difficulties met

• The cost of installing limiters‑controllers‑recorders devices was a significant barrier.
• Installers faced a heavy administrative burden due to the volume of documentation required by the City Council to ensure regulatory compliance.
• Installers were required to complete specific training courses with each manufacturer whose limiters they were authorised to install.
• Installations had to be tailored to each venue, requiring a solid understanding of their operating conditions and characteristics.
• Direct engagement with installers and manufacturers was necessary to clarify the City Council’s requirements, define the limiters’ specifications, and ensure real-time monitoring platforms met the required standards.
• In the project’s early stages, several venue owners found it challenging to adapt to and complete the full compliance process.

Evidence of Success

• The Leisure Noise Map, together with accompanying governance measures, has strengthened noise management in critical urban areas and improved the quality of life of affected residents.
• Noise complaints have dropped by 60% between 2014 and 2025.
• Real-time monitoring and enforcement have enhanced transparency and trust between businesses and the community.

Recommendations for cities interested in developing such a project

Ensure collaboration at the local level

• Leisure Noise Maps should be developed in cooperation with all relevant stakeholders, including residents, businesses, local authorities, and technical experts, to support effective and accepted noise management measures.
• Awareness-raising campaigns should be implemented alongside leisure noise policies to inform residents, venue operators, and visitors about the impacts of noise pollution, as well as promote responsible behaviour and strengthen public support for noise reduction measures.

Simplify administrative processes

• Simplifying public procurement procedures and reducing administrative burdens can facilitate the timely implementation of noise management measures, improve coordination among public authorities, and allow for more flexible and efficient responses to local needs.
• Cities should anticipate and budget for the ongoing maintenance costs associated with noise monitoring equipment, as ensuring its long-term operation requires dedicated financial and technical support.

Adopt adequate monitoring method

• When developing a noise map, cities should anticipate that frequent changes to terrace layouts and locations make venue-by-venue measurements costly and time-consuming. A practical approach is to install street-level monitoring equipment, and consider the street as the unit of analysis. Meters can then be calibrated against an agreed reference noise level for terraces, supported by predefined reference recordings, such as the typical noise produced by a table of four people. This method helps set clear expectations for expected noise levels from each terrace.