At a March 1, 2012 Des Moines, WA City Council study session, staff presented a policy discussion on whether to update the city's Sound Transmission Control (Sound Code) requirements, which govern noise-reducing construction standards for buildings near Sea-Tac Airport. The existing code, last revised in 1996, was criticized by developers and homeowners as overly burdensome, while the Port of Seattle's official 'Part 150' noise contour study won't be finalized until 2016. The Council was asked to consider options ranging from immediate regulatory relief—such as reducing sound zones, limiting requirements to windows only, or making compliance voluntary—to waiting until the 2016 study is complete before making any changes.Open full document
Notes
Agenda for the Des Moines City Council Study Session held on March 1, 2012, covering a policy discussion on Sound Transmission Control requirements, SCA support of a Governor’s petition regarding marijuana reclassification, City Council process, and an executive session litigation update. The sound code discussion focuses on whether to modify existing sound attenuation requirements tied to aircraft noise contours near Sea-Tac Airport.