DENIED PLN2024-0072 Noise Variance Staff DecisionCITY OF EDMONDS
121 5t" Avenue North, Edmonds WA 98020
Phone: 425.771.0220 • Fax: 425.771.0221 • Web: www.edmondswa.
DEVELOPMENT SERVICES DEPARTMENT
DEVELOPMENT SERVICES DEPARTMENT
NOISE VARIANCE STAFF DECISION
Project: NWR North/Strategic Pavement Preservation 23-25
Applicant: Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT)
File Number: PLN2024-0072
Associated Permit(s): n/A
Date of Decision: September 26, 2024
Reviewed By: Natalie Griggs, Engineering Technician
I. INTRODUCTION
The applicant has applied for a noise variance (Attachment 1) for 3 non-consecutive nights to
crack seal and repair pavement on SR-524 from Main St to east of Olympic Ave on Puget Drive.
The applicant has requested that the work be approved during the hours 9:00pm — 5:00am on
weekdays, and 10:00pm — 7:00am on Saturday nights, which is outside the normally approved
hours for construction (Attachment 2).
The following is staff s analysis and decision on the proposal.
II. FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS
A. GENERAL INFORMATION
1. Request: The applicant is requesting a noise variance for work proposed as part of the
WSDOT NWR North/Strategic Pavement Preservation 23-25 project.
2. Review Process: A noise variance shall be processed as a Type 1 permit procedure
pursuant to ECDC 20.01.003(B) and reviewed in accordance with the criteria found in
ECDC 5.30.120
3. Project Owners: WSDOT
4. Applicant: WSDOT
5. Location: SR-524 from Main St to east of Olympic Ave on Puget Dr
B. PUBLIC CONVENIENCE — Will the work result in significant delays for transportation,
services, or other customer needs if done only during the day and within the hour restrictions
set out in other parts of ECC Chapter 5.30?
Applicant: The proposed work is located on State Route (SR) 524 from Main Street (3rd
Avenue South and Main Street) to 12th Avenue North (12th Ave North and Puget Drive).
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Work performed during daytime hours will result in significant delays for transportation,
services, or other customer needs.
City Response: The proposed work moves frequently and is phased throughout this
location, and therefore can be accomplished during the dgy without significant disruption
to traffic.
C. PUBLIC SAFETY — Does working at night significantly improve safety conditions for the
traveling public and/or construction workers?
Applicant: Performing work at night will avoid traffic backups and delays while minimizing
roadway hazards to workers and traveling public through the construction zone.
City response: Work outside of the approved construction hours will not significantly
improve safety conditions.
D. PUBLIC EXPOSURE — What will be the setting for any proposed work outside of regular
hours? Is it located on an arterial street or in a mostly residential area?
Applicant: The proposed work is located on a segment of SR 524 is primarily an east -west
principal arterial providing connections to Edmonds and Lynnwood with additional
connections to SR 99, SR 104, and the Edmonds Ferry Terminal. The surrounding land uses
are primarily suburban residential and commercial.
City response: Noise associated with night work will be more disruptive to the residential
area than exposure during daytime hours.
E. PUBLIC COSTS — Does a limited amount of authorized work outside of regular hours
established by this chapter save the public significant cost compared to daytime work?
Applicant: Work performed during daytime hours will result in significant delays for
transportation, services, or other customer needs.
Since the work site moves frequently and should only take up at most one lane of traffic
at a time, the scope of work does not warrant night work.
F. NOISE REDUCTION MEASURES —Have all reasonable steps been taken to reduce the
impact of any necessary noise outside the standard hours?
Applicant: Reasonable steps will be taken to mitigate construction noise during the nighttime
operations to reduce the impact of noise outside standard hours. As crews work, they will
take the following steps to limit noise:
• All trucks performing export haul shall have well maintained bed liners as inspected
and accepted by the Engineer.
• Truck tailgate banging is prohibited. All truck tailgates shall be secured to prevent
excessive noise from banging.
• Construction equipment operating under stationary conditions, such as but not
limited to; saw cutters, front loaders, light plants, and generators, are allowed
provided that WSDOT-accepted temporary noise shields are used.
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The Contractor shall mail Nighttime Work Mail Notifications to residents and
businesses located within 500 feet from the property line no more than seven days
before the night work begins.
Ci1y Response: The scope of work does not meet the City's requirements for night work,
therefore noise reducing measures are not applicable.
III. DECISION
Based on the Findings of Fact and Conclusions, the following decision is issued by the City of
Edmonds Development Services Department. The noise variance is DENIED.
IV. APPEALS
Type I permit decisions may be appealed by a party of record to Snohomish County superior
court within 21 days of the date of the decision pursuant to ECDC 20.07.006.
V. PARTIES OF RECORD
City of Edmonds WSDOT
121 5th Avenue North 15700 Dayton Avenue North
Edmonds, WA 98020 Shoreline, WA 98133
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