HomeMy WebLinkAboutSR_HEX_WSDOT_Noise_Variance_160419DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY
AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
REPORT TO THE HEARING EXAMINER
A. SUMMARY AND PURPOSE OF REQUEST
REPORT DA TE:
Project Name:
Project Number:
Project Manager:
Owner:
Applicant:
Contact:
Project Summary:
Project Location:
Exist. Bldg. Area SF:
Site Area:
April 19, 2016
1-405 and NE 30th Street Ramp Improvements
LUA16-000223, V-H
Vicki Grover, Civil Engineer Ill
Washington State Department of Transportation
Linda Cooley, WSDOT, 600 108th Ave. NE, Suite 405, Bellevue, WA 98004
Same as Applicant.
WSDOT requests a variance from RMC 8-7-2 (Noise Regulations, Maximum
Environmental Noise Levels) in order to conduct construction work at night in an
area with residential uses. The construction work would occur during 23 non-
consecutive nights of construction from July 1, 2016 through July 1, 2018. The work
includes improving approximately 1,900 linear feet of northbound ramp at NE 30 1h
Street onto 1-405. The queuing length of the existing on-ramp does not have
enough capacity to prevent overflow of 1-405 bound traffic into the City's residential
neighborhoods. The project includes work and improvements within the State
Department of Transporation Right of Way limits.
Noise levels resulting from project construction activity would generate peak noise
levels of 76 to 80 dBA as perceived at a distance of 50 feet from the NE 30th Street
north bound on-ramp to 1-405. A variance from RMC 8-7-2 is necessary in order to
conduct the nighttime work, as maximum permissible environmental noise levels
(per WAC 173-60-040, incorporated by reference in RMC 8-7) limit extended
periods of noise from 10:00 pm to 7:00 am to levels between 45 dBA and 60 dBA,
with exceedances of 5 to 15 dBA permitted for periods of 1.5 to 15 minutes in any
one-hour period (WAC 173-60-040).
Along the Northbound NE 30th Street on ramp to 1-405
N/A
Proposed New Bldg. Area (footprint):
Proposed New Bldg. Area (gross):
N/A
1,900 Lineal Feet Total Building Area GSF: N/A
Project Location Map
NOISE VARIANCE HEX REPORT
City of Renton Department of Community & ,omic Development
/-4()5 & NE 30'" STREET NORTHBOUND RAMP PROJECT
Report of April 19, 2016
I 8. PROJECT DESCRIPTION/BACKGROUND:
NOISE VARIANCE HEX REPORT
LUA16-000223, V-H
Page 2 of 6
Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) requests a variance from RMC 8-7-2 (Noise
Regulations, Maximum Environmental Noise Levels) in order to conduct construction work at night in an
area with residential uses. The construction work would occur over 23 non-consecutive nights from July 1,
2016 through to July 1, 2018. The project is located on the NE 301
h Street ramp onto north bound 1-405,
between Milepost (MP) 6.5 and MP 6.9. In general, the essence of the project is to widen and restripe the
existing ramp to accommodate a second metered lane. The project work includes removal of existing
asphalt (new & replaced), striping, plastic traffic markings, traffic loops, ramp meter, signs and concrete
barriers. The project proposes to install asphalt, curb and gutter, storm facilities, signage, traffic signals,
fiber optic conduit, traffic loops, ramp meter, soldier pile wall, cast in place and pre-cast concrete barriers
and one new street light. Construction equipment used during night time activities will include, but are
not limited to: dump trucks, generators, portable lighting (light plants), paving machines, grinding
machines for asphalt and striping, compaction rollers, air compressors, and saw cutters for asphalt, back
hoes and front loaders, drilling machines and cement mixer trucks.
To limit the potential effect of construction-related noise at the residences near the ramp work area,
several noise mitigation measures have been considered.
o The contractor shall avoid parking and idling vehicles near residences.
o An after-hours noise compliant telephone number shall be made available to all residences.
o Ambient sensitive back up alarms are required and truck tailgate banging is not allowed.
o Construction equipment shall be parked outside of the line of sight from residences and temporary
noise shields shall be used when feasible.
o The contractor shall be required to redirect temporary lights away from residences.
o Material on the roadway that needs to be cleaned up shall be done with a sweeper which has a
noise volume sound similar to that of existing nighttime traffic from 1-405.
o The stripe removal and grinder noise shall dissipate as the equipment moves along the highway.
The project will include nighttime work where the zoning is all residential varying from R-8 to R-6 and CN
(Commercial Neigborhood).
A variance from RMC 8-7-2 is necessary in order to conduct the nighttime work, as maximum permissible
environmental noise levels (per WAC 173-60-040, incorporated by reference in RMC 8-7) limit extended
periods of noise from 10:00 pm to 7:00 am to levels between 45 dBA and 60 dBA, with exceedances of 5 to
15 dBA permitted for periods of 1.5 to 15 minutes in any one-hour period (WAC 173-60-040).
NOISE VARIANCE HEX REPORT
City of Renton Department of Community & t,.,.~,1omic Development
1-405 & NE 30TH STREET NORTHBOUNO RAMP PROJECT
NOISE VARIANCE HEX REPORT
WA16-000223, V-H
Report of April 19, 2016 Page 3 of 6
I C. EXHIBITS:
The following exhibits were entered into the record:
Exhibit 1: Staff Report dated April 19, 2016
Exhibit 2: Project Description, Project Narrative, Variance Request Justification dated March
17, 2016.
Exhibit 3: Exhibit of the location of work being proposed along the NE 30th Street
northbound ramp to 1-405
Exhibit 4: 11" X 17", 60% Design Plans
Exhibit 5: Anticipated noise levels and proposed mitigation measures
D. FINDINGS:
Having reviewed the written record in the matter, the City now makes and enters the following:
1. Request: Noise Variance from RMC 8-7-2 (Maximum Environmental Noise Levels) for work
between 10:00 pm and 7:00 am over 23 non-consecutive nights from July 1, 2016 to July 1, 2018.
2. Variance: The proposal requires a public hearing with the Hearing Examiner.
3. Existing Land Uses: Single family residences and Commercial Neighborhood
4. Zoning: Residential -6 Dwelling Units per Acre (R-6), Residential -8 Dwelling Units per Acre (R-8)
and CN (Commercial Neighborhood) has maximum dwelling units of 4 dwelling units per structure.
I E. CONSISTENCY WITH VARIANCE CRITERIA:
Section 8-7-8.D. Lists 7 criteria that the Hearing Examiner is asked to consider, along with all other
relevant information, in making a decision on a Noise Variance application. These include the
following:
The Hearing Examiner shall have authority to grant a variance upon making a determination, in writing,
that the conditions specified below have been found to exist:
1. That the applicant suffers practical difficulties and unnecessary hardship and the variance is
necessary because of special circumstances applicable to the applicant's property or project,
and that the strict application of this Chapter will deprive the subject property owner or
applicant of rights and privileges enjoyed by others.
Staff Analysis: WSDOT's traffic analysis has determined that performing ramp closures during the
day would result in traffic congestion due to high traffic volumes, loss of roadway capacity and
diminished access to local events. WSDOT recommends that lane closures and certain construction
activities occur at night and continuous operation of construction activities such as pavement
grinding can be ensured to avoid endangering personnel.
NOISE VARIANCE HEX REPORT
City of Renton Department of Community & _1omic Development
1-405 & NE 30'" STREET NORTHBOUND RAMP PROJECT
Report of April 19, 2016
NOISE VARIANCE HEX REPORT
LUA16·000223, V·H
Page 4 of 6
To avoid disruptions to workers, motorists and pedestrians and to maintain emergency and
essential services, many construction activities must occur between the hours of 10:00 PM and
7:00AM.
Activities such as pavement repair, grinding, removal and replacement of pavement and pavement
markings cannot be accomplished while traffic is present. Full or partial ramp and street closures
are necessary for these activities.
In addition, nighttime work is necessary to complete the project prior to the 2016-2017 school year
at Kennydale Elementary School, located east of the NE 30th Street project site. A primary benefit
of the completed NE 30th Street ramp improvements is the access to the school by reducing traffic
congestion on NE 30th Street.
2. That the granting of the variance will not be materially detrimental to the public health, welfare
or safety, or unduly injurious to the property or improvements in the vicinity of the location for
which this variance is sought.
Staff Analysis: Granting of the variance will enhance public safety and reduce risks to property
because nighttime traffic volumes are lighter, thus reducing safety risks. Performing this work
during nighttime hours and if required during weekend closures when the least amount of traffic is
present will minimize risks to the travelling public and construction workers.
3. That the variance sought is the minimum variance which will accomplish the desired purpose.
Staff Analysis: The work would occur over 24 months on 23 non-consecutive nights. The work site
location is approximately 1,900 lineal feet. Mitigation measures are proposed by the applicant to
diminish the impact on the surrounding area. Staff believes that the request is the minimum
needed to accomplish the necessary reconstruction and repair.
4. That the variance contains such conditions deemed to be necessary to limit the impact of the
variance on the residence or property owners impacted by the variance. The variance approval
may be subject to conditions including, but not limited to, the following:
a. Implementation of a noise monitoring program;
b. Maximum noise levels;
c. Limitation on types of equipment and use of particular equipment;
d. Limitation on back-up beepers for equipment;
e. Required use of noise shields or barriers;
f. Restrictions to specific times and days;
g. Specific requirements for documentation of compliance with the noise variance
conditions;
h. Specific requirements for notification to nearby residents;
NOISE VARIANCE HEX REPORT
City of Renton Department of Community & ,omic Development
/-405 & NE 30'" STREET NORTHBOUND RAMP PROJECT
Report of April 19, 2016
NOISE VARIANCE HEX REPORT
LUA16-000223, V-H
Page 5 of 6
i. Required cash security to pay for inspection services to verify compliance;
j. Required access to the project by the City to verify compliance with the noise variance
conditions;
k. Specific program to allow for temporary hotel vouchers to effected residents;
I. Requirements for written verification that all workers understand the noise variance
conditions for the project; and
m. Provision allowing the City to immediately revoke the variance approval if the variance
conditions are violated.
Staff Analysis: Noise shields will be used as directed by the engineer and when feasible. Back-up
beepers will be ambient sensitive backup alarms, and truck tailgate banging will not be allowed. An
after-hours noise complaint phone number staffed by WSDOT and or their contractors will be
provided.
Staff recommends, as a condition of approval, that WSDOT provide the City's project manager with
the after-hours noise complaint phone number, a summary of any complaints and the response
provided, within 2 days of receiving the complaint. In addition, staff recommends that the
applicant provide notice to the City's project manager of the dates of expected night work, a
minimum of 24 hours in advance of the work.
5. The importance of the services provided by the facility creating the noise and the other
impacts caused to the public safety, health and welfare balanced against the harm to be
suffered by residents or property owners receiving the increased noise permitted under this
variance.
Staff Analysis: Improvements to this heavily travelled Interstate outweigh the limited-term noise
impacts to residents and property owners, as well as to help to relieve the surrounding
neighborhoods of backed up traffic attempting to get on to 1-405. The applicant has identified
measures to be implemented to reduce or eliminate excessive noise. Impacts are further
mitigated by the existing ambient noise level emanating from the corridor
6. The availability of practicable alternative locations or methods for the proposed use which
will generate the noise.
Staff Analysis: The work is to add queuing length to WSDOT's ramp for the travelling public to
utilize without impacting the surrounding neighborhoods. No alternative locations are possible.
7. The extent by which the prescribed noise limitations will be exceeded by the variance and the
extent and duration of the variance.
NOISE VARIANCE HEX REPORT
City of Renton Department of Community ( nomic Development
/·405 & NE 30'" STREET NORTHBOUND RAMP PROJECT
NOISE VARIANCE HEX REPORT
LUAl6-000223, V-H
Report of April 19, 2016
Staff Analysis: The work of adding length (approximately 1,900 lineal feet)and safety
appurtenances to the north bound ramp would occur over a 24 month period on 23 non-
consecutive days.
Page6of6
F. CONCLUSIONS: THESUBJECT SITE IS LOCATED WITHIN PROPERTIES OWNED BY WSDOT. THE
PROPOSED UPGRADE TO THE EXISTING NE 30TH STREET RAMP IS LOCATED AT MP 6.5 TO MP 6.90N 1-
405. THE WORK WOULD OCCUR OVER 24 MONTHS ON 23 NON-CONSECUTIVE NIGHTS.
1. The work requires a variance from RMC 8-7-2 (Noise Regulations, Maximum Environmental
Noise Levels) as levels of noise for night time would be exceeded.
2. Analysis of the proposal according to variance criteria of RMC 8-7-8-D is found in the body of
the Staff Report.
I G. RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends that the Variance for the 1-405 and NE 30 1h Street Ramp to northbound 1-405, File
No. LUA16-000223, V-H be approved subject to the following conditions:
1. The applicant shall provide the City of Renton project manager with the phone number for
after-hours noise complaints prior to commencement of construction. Any complaints from
within the Renton city limits will be summarized and reported to the City's project manager
within 2 days of the complaint.
2. The applicant shall implement proposed mitigation measures and develop alternate
mitigation measures to diminish or eliminate noise during construction.
3. The applicant shall notify the City of Renton project manager with the date and areas of
expected night work prior to commencement of night work, a minimum of 24 hours in
advance of the work.
4. Implementation of a noise monitoring program will be conducted nightly by the contractor
and the results provided to the City's project manager;
5. Maximum noise level readings will be included in the noise monitoring program that will be
conducted nightly and these results with the type of work being conducted during the noise
level readings are to be provided to the City's project manager.
NOISE VARIANCE HEX REPORT