HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 05 Noise Variance AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY Meeting Date: 10/5/2020
Meeting Type: Regular Meeting
Staff Contact/Dept.: Jeff Paschall
Staff Phone No: 541-726-1674
Estimated Time: Consent Calendar
S P R I N G F I E L D
C I T Y C O U N C I L
Council Goals: Maintain and Improve
Infrastructure and
Facilities
ITEM TITLE: AUTHORIZATION FOR THE CITY MANAGER OR DESIGNEE, UPON
REQUEST, TO GRANT NOISE VARIANCES FOR CONSTRUCTION
ACTIVITIES ASSOCIATED WITH PRIVATE IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS
(PIP).
ACTION
REQUESTED:
Approve/not approve the following motion:
Allow Construction Activities Associated With Current Public Improvement Permit
Projects (Pip) Outside of The Hours of 7 AM and 6 PM Commencing October 6,
2020 and Continuing Through November 13, 2020.
ISSUE
STATEMENT:
Section 5.220(3)(c) of the Springfield Municipal Code restricts the hours that
construction activities may occur to between 7 AM and 6 PM, and requires City
Council approval for a variance. Due to the recent wild fires and smoke, many
contractors lost up to 10 workdays or more due to closures or hazardous work
conditions due to air quality. Most PIP projects were already on tight timelines to
complete certain constructions activities prior to wet weather requirements as
described in the City of Springfield Engineering Design Standards And Procedures
Manual (EDSPM). Staff has been receiving updated construction schedules and
working with the various PIP project teams to adjust schedules to provide flexibility
and meet EDSPM requirements. A one-time noise variance for all current PIP
projects during the window requested will provide more flexibility to contractors to
meet deadlines.
ATTACHMENTS: Attachment 1: List of Current PIP Projects
DISCUSSION/
FINANCIAL
IMPACT:
Due to the recent wildfires and hazardous working conditions related to poor air
quality from smoke, many contractors have notified staff of the need to adjust
construction schedules due to the loss of working days. Staff has been working
with the project teams and contractors to adjust schedules to make sure time
sensitive construction activities are completed per requirement. One tool that has
been discussed is the potential to allow the contractors to work an extended day.
Requests for noise variances associated with private construction activities require
the Council to approve “special noise permit” under Springfield Municipal Code
5.220(4)(b). The code does not currently allow the Council to delegate approval for
these permits to City staff, so staff are requesting a one-time special permit
approval for all projects currently underway. A list of current projects is in
Attachment 1.
Possible sounds that could be emitted include engine noise, back-up beeper,
excavating, hauling and loading, air compressors, cutting equipment, hammering,
voices and other general noises associated with construction. The noise associated
with this construction will be minimized to the maximum extent possible.
Project NameProjectNumber Current Status LocationWalnut Grove Subdivision P31055 Under construction (9‐24‐2020). Kalmia St west of S 45thOsage St Sewer Extension P31056 Construction Complete, working on acceptance items (9‐24‐2020) Osage St east of Hazelnut LnHighbanks RanchP31041 Approved plans (9‐24‐2020)High banks near 58thWoodland Ridge Phase 1 P31048 Under construction (9‐24‐2020).S 49th Place, south of Booth Kelly RdMarcola Meadows 1A P31057 Under construction 9‐24‐202031st and W StCurrent and Active Public Imprvement ProjectsAttachment 1, Page 1 of 1