March 17, 2025July 31, 2026

Analysis and Recommendations for Updating Des Moines’ Sound Transmission Code and Possible Future Adoption

The City of Des Moines, Washington is considering adopting a new sound transmission code to address aircraft noise from SeaTac Airport, following the repeal of its previous ordinance in 2012. Building Official Daniel Hopp recommends hiring a sound engineering consultant to help draft updated noise standards, evaluate construction costs, and redefine noise zones for both new buildings and major remodels. The proposal aims to modernize noise mitigation requirements while balancing economic feasibility for developers and residents.

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Memorandum from Des Moines Building Official to the Economic Development Committee providing recommendations for updating the city’s sound transmission code. The memo outlines the need to engage a sound engineering consultant and proposes approaches for modernizing noise mitigation requirements following the repeal of the original 2007 ordinance.

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As the source for federal transportation grants, the Puget Sound Regional Council was charged with developing a system to meet the growing need for commercial aviation. When the search for a second airport failed, they authorized the Port of Seattle to build the Third Runway, with a mandate to develop a noise abatement and mitigation program. In their effort to stop the Third Runway, the ACC argued over every detail of the Port's efforts--including property buyouts and sound insulation. The dispute was meant to be settled by a three member Expert Arbitration Panel. This is their final report. It finds 2-1, that the Port's program was insufficient in several respects. Despite that, funding for the Third Runway was approved by the PSRC, and the 'Port Package' program, proceeded largely unchanged. Expert Arbitration Panel's final decision finding that the Port of Seattle had not shown sufficient reduction in real on-the-ground noise impacts to satisfy noise reduction conditions required for approval of a third runway at Sea-Tac International Airport. The majority decision concluded the Port's noise abatement programs were insufficient despite being impressive in scope.

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