Most people understand signal vs. noise.

Work hard, and enjoy the grind!

While downzoning a property does lead to lesser impacts on a neighborhood (less cars, traffic, noise, etc.) given the lack of affordable housing in LA, I would speculate that the Planning Dept. would recommend denial because your proposal would actually result in the removal of affordable housing, and that would violate the goals and policies of their adopted Housing Element.

Another challenge is keeping the construction noise down to an acceptable level for the folks who move in at the beginning.

If information is relevant to Landlord’s decision to rent unit, Tenant will have breached these rules.iii)Negligently destroy, deface, damage, impair or remove a part of the premises or knowingly permit a person to do so.iv)Profane, obscene, loud or boisterous language or unseemly behavior and conduct is prohibited.v)Criminal activity on or near such premises, engaged in by a Tenant, any member of the Tenant’s household or any other person under the Tenant’s control.c)Noise – Tenant shall not play or operate pianos, radios, television sets, or other devices at an unreasonable volume at any time that causes a disturbance to any neighbor and their peaceful enjoyment of the premises.

Not sure what City you're in but I no longer recommend complaining tenants contact the police because they're recently taken the stance that not only will they not do anything about noise, marijuana/illegal activities, or dogs (they won't issue citations or even enter units) but they are going to begin issuing nuisance fines to the property owners. 

No car noise on the highway 2 miles away.

I hadn't considered noise transfer. 

The old windows rub against the old paint causing it to grind against each other and chip, flake or slowly wear away. 

All,I am going to try the Minut noise detection system in one of my properties for indoor & outdoor monitoring.