PC 020911 - Laserfiche WebLink

Chair Narum noted that the Commission directionally wants to minimize shading impacts for the neighbor. The Commissioners concurred not to shade the PV panels. Commissioner Blank inquired whether this meant zero shading at all times of the year. The Commissioners agreed that it meant minimizing or avoiding it if possible and that the Commission would need to see the revised plans. 12. Noise and Vibration. Commissioner Blank inquired if, when a person purchases a house near railroad tracks and there is disclosure, the train is still obligated to meet the 60dBA interior noise limit. Mr. Otto stated that the requirement is normally 60dBA outside and 45dBA inside, except when the property abuts railroad tracks or is subject to railroad noise, which then becomes 70dBA outside LDN, 50dBA L-max in the bedrooms, and 55dBA L-max in other rooms. He noted that the whistle or horn noise are difficult to mitigate. He added that the General Plan does allow staff and the Planning Commission to look at not necessarily following the standard if it cannot be done. He indicated that In order to meet the actual horn noise inside the homes at 50dBA and 55dBA, a 29-foot high sound wall would have to be installed along the train tracks which would have to wrap all the way up to Stanley Boulevard at varying heights. Commissioner Blank stated that the Commission has approved projects along the Foothill Road corridor where it did not require the internal mitigation of the train noise but plain language disclosure of the presence of the train, vibration, whistling, and horn blowing. He recommended that staff ensure this language is included because he would hate for this to be used as a reason for the City to be responsible for a 29-foot tall sound wall when the Commission has not required it in other locations. Mr. Dolan stated that the issue that came up at the City Council meeting was that the Council was supportive of the same approach, that there be some tolerance for those brief periods of time when the whistle blows, and that the City would not try to mitigate or include that in the average. He noted that for information purposes, Councilmember Sullivan inquired what it is the residents would be subjected to at that particular period. THE PUBLIC HEARING WAS RE-OPENED. Mr. Martin stated that he had received sufficient direction and had no further comments. He confirmed he was clear on what he had heard and will discuss with staff any outstanding questions he has. PLANNING COMMISSION REGULAR MINUTES, February 9, 2011 Page 20 of 41