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Planning Commission Minutes DRAFT November 1,2007 Page 3 Comments had been received from the Town's noise consultant recommending a change to Policy 2.2 to read "Residential construction in high noise level areas shall include provisions for structural insulation as necessary to ensure an interior noise level of CMEL 45 DB or less". This was considered by the noise consultant as a reasonable standard and is included in the Uniform Building Code as a requirement under Title 24 for multi-family housing, apartments and hotels. Discussion ensued among the Commissioners regarding the required DB level of the policy, what procedures (i.e. insulation) could be implemented to help attain that level and how the DB level could be measured in residential construction. There was concern over the added cost to the homeowner. Commissioner Clow suggested "as necessary to ensure maximum possible noise attenuation to reach 45 DB or less". He felt the strength of the proposed wording might cause the need for a consultant to complete noise calculations at the end of a building project. Debbie Pedro suggested the wording "to ensure maximum possible noise attenuation and to encourage an interior noise level of 45 DB or less". Leslie stated that comments had also been received from Town resident, Alex Atkins, regarding Program 1.1 in the Noise Element. He suggested the wording "Update the Noise Ordinance to provide for clear interpretation of the regulations with effective and unambiguous enforcement of appropriate standards based on the A weighted scale". Mr. Atkins also recommended the addition of discussion under Fire Hazards, paragraph 825, to be specific and include eucalyptus trees with the fact that they cause a significant fire risk. Another change he wanted was for the Safety Element, program 4.3 to read; "Educate property owners on the benefits of reducing and mitigating fire hazards with specific emphasis on the danger of eucalyptus trees". Mike O'Malley, Edgerton Road and Chairman of the Ad-Hoc General Plan Committee, stated that the comments of Mr. Atkins were taken at a meeting when he was absent. The General Plan Committee was working with the input of Town Committees at their meetings and the public was invited to make their comments at the Planning Commission and City Council meetings. The Committee was trying not to put too much specificity into the General Plan and believed the specifics should evolve from the Town ordinances. The General Plan should recognize that properties located in high noise corridors should take steps to minimize or reduce noise inside the home. The City Council has addressed the eucalyptus issue four or five times in the last year and will continue to do so. The General Plan reflects that there is fire risk in Los Altos Hills and the Town should keep up specific programs such as tree trimming and tree removal. The Noise Ordinance is in conflict with the General Plan as it is now stated as well as the prior General Plan. The current ordinance is nearly impossible to enforce, at 40 DB at the property line. Chairman Carey wondered if the instruction in the General Plan to update the Noise Ordinance was too specific. When the Noise Ordinance update is complete, the directive will still remain in the General Plan.