HomeMy WebLinkAboutSDP200400023 Staff Report 2004-09-07 (2)STAFF PERSON: YADIRA AMARANTE
PLANNING COMMISSION: 9/7/04
SDP 04 -023: FAULCONER CONSTRUCTION OFFICE AND SHOP FINAL SITE PLAN
ADDENDUM TO STAFF REPORT (9/7/04)
On August 2, 2004 County staff had a meeting with residents of the Ivy Community and the Albemarle
County School Board.
Some residents expressed concerns that noise levels at the site will exceed those required by Section
4.18 of the Zoning Ordinance. The most often cited item of concern was the anticipated sound of large
machinery and truck engines.
The certified engineer's report submitted by Faulconer simply states, "Normal operations at the project
site are not anticipated to violate Albemarle County's noise ordinances" (p.17) and that "vehicle idling
will be limited, and vegetation and distance should dissipate sound" (p.21). While these types of
statements, accompanied by the engineer's certification, are generally acceptable, the fact that it is being
raised as a concern calls for an explanation of the technical reasoning or data behind them.
The Zoning Ordinance contains exemptions for construction activities, transient sounds from
transportation, and warning devices (18- 4.18.05). The sound of motors on -site, and under repair, would
not seem to be exempted.
It is worth noting that the County primarily accepts the certified engineer's report as fact and does not
independently analyze their findings. Instead, any discrepancies between the certified engineer's report
and actual noise levels on the property once occupied are handled through County enforcement
procedures.
The applicant's engineers are present at tonight's meeting and are prepared to address these concerns.
ATTACHMENTS:
I. 9/3/03 Memo from Engineering staff regarding noise level concerns
Attachment I
A
COUNTY OF ALBEMARLE
Department of Community Development, Current Development Division
Engineering Plan Review
To: Roudabush, Gale & Assoc., Inc. (fax 296 -5220)
Williamsburg Environmental Group, Inc. (fax 757- 2294507)
Faulconer Construction (fax 295 -0508)
From: Glenn Brooks
Subject: Faulconer site plan, certified engineer's report
Date: 3 Sep 2004 (Friday)
The County had a meeting yesterday with Ivy residents regarding the Faulconer site plan. I want to bring to your
attention a concern which was raised at that meeting. You will likely be asked to answer this concern at the
Planning Commission meeting scheduled for next Tuesday.
The residents are concerned that noise levels will exceed those required by the Zoning Ordinance, section 4.18.
The most often cited item was the anticipated sound of large machinery and truck engines. The certified
engineer's report simply states, "Normal operations at the project site are not anticipated to violate Albemarle
County's noise ordinances" (p.17). It goes on to say that vehicle idling will be limited, and vegetation and
distance should dissipate sound (p.21). While these types of statements, accompanied by the engineer's
certification, are generally acceptable, the fact that residents are raising questions may call for an explanation of
the technical reasoning or data behind them.
I have looked into the residents' concerns, and they seem to have some validity. My brief research indicates the
average truck engine is approximately 90dBA. The required decibel level at the property line during the day is
60dbA (Zoning Ordinance 18- 4.18.04). From the layout on the site plan, it appears possible that engine noise
could take place as close as 80 feet from a property line, which could bring the sound level down to between 60
and 70 dBA. However, there are so many variables (topography, vegetation, the condition of the motor or
muffler, whether multiple machines are operated at once) as well as the addition of repair machinery, hydraulics,
etc., that heavy reliance is placed upon operations and zoning enforcement. Regarding the certified engineer's
report in general, I discussed previously with Toni Small the reliance upon "good housekeeping ", "training ", and
"operations" as less reliable, and less desirable than permanent physical measures.
It is worth noting that the County has not closely examined vehicle noises with zoning clearances and certified
engineer's reports in the past. The Zoning Ordinance contains exemptions for construction activities, transient
sounds from transportation, and warning devices (18- 4.18.05). The sound of motors on -site, and under repair,
would not seem to be exempted.
Thank you in advance for looking into this before our meeting on Tuesday.
Copy: file
File: Faulconer noise levels.doc
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