HomeMy WebLinkAbout01092025 ZPC Agenda Item 3 HVACI
GENERATOR
PLACEMENT
City of
West University
Place Community Development
To: The Zoning and Planning Commission
From: Chris Guess, Planning and Zoning Administrator
Date: January 9,2025
Re: HVAC/Generator Placement
Background Information:
The ZPC has discussed these topics at the August 8t", September 12t", October 10t", and November 6"
meetings. The issue of HVAC and generator placement relate directly to the discussion on the noise
ordinance. The ZPC has requested input from the Building & Standards Commission("BSC") and has also
considered the impact additional regulations would have on residents who install automatic standby
generators versus residents who use portable generators in a disaster situation. Currently, the ZPC is pending
input from the BSC prior to making a recommendation to City Council.
Staff Editorial:
The ZPC has discussed at length the pros and cons of additional regulations as it pertains to the placement of
generator and HVAC units. Both items are classified as"Mechanical Equipment"within our projection
schedule and any regulations regarding the placement of one affects the placement of all. HVAC units are
standard equipment on modern homes and generators are primarily used and most audible in disaster events.
Also, more audible than the standby (permanent) generators are the portable generator units that have no
regulations due to being a temporary solution as opposed to a permanent structure.
Staff Recommendation:
Staff recommends the ZPC take "no action" on the placement of HVAC and Generator units and instead wait
on the guidance of the BSC. Without their consideration of manufactures standards and installation
requirements it would be premature to consider regulations placing these items.
Attachments:
1. Decibel ratings in comparison with other appliances
2. Article II.Noise: Sec 54-41. Enumeration of specific noises.
3826 Amherst St. www.westutx.gov
West University Place, TX 77005
713-662-5830
Here are the decibel (dB) ratings for some Generac generators:
• Generac Guardian Series Home Standby Generators: The dB(A) ratings for these
generators, measured from 23 feet away, are:
• 7.5 kW PowerPact: 69 dB(A)
O 10 kW: 61 dB(A)
c 14 kW: 65 dB(A)
❑ 18 kW: 65 dB(A)
20 kW: 67 dB(A) al
O 22 kW: 67 dB(A)
24 kW: 67 dB(A)
n 26 kW: 68 dB(A)
• Generac 7042 22kW Guardian Generator with Wi-Fi: This generator operates at
67 decibels. 0
The Generac Guardian series of generators are considered to be the quietest
models, with an operational noise level of 58 dBA.
Here are some other decibel levels for comparison: G�
• Normal conversation: 60 dB
• Air conditioner 20 feet away: 68 dB
• Washing machine at a similar distance: 70 dB
• Flushing toilets: 65 dB
• Vacuum cleaners in an adjacent room: 70 dB
• Shower,dishwasher. 70 dB
• Power lawn mower,subway train: 90 dB
• Rock concert,chainsaw: 110 dB
PART II-CODE OF ORDINANCES
Chapter 54-OFFENSES AND MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
ARTICLE II. NOISE
ARTICLE II. NOISE1
Sec. 54-41. Enumeration of specific noises.
(a) The following noises,among others,are declared to be loud,disturbing noises in violation of this article(this
enumeration is neither exhaustive nor exclusive of other noises):
(1) The noise of any horn or signal device on any automobile, motorcycle, bus or other vehicle while not in
motion,except as a danger signal if another vehicle is approaching apparently out of control;the same
noise made while in motion,except as a danger signal after,or as, brakes are being applied and
deceleration of the vehicle is intended; any unreasonably loud or harsh sound created by means of any
such signal device;and the sound of such device made for any unreasonable period of time.
(2) The sound of:
a. Any vehicular or portable radio, phonograph, disc player,tape player or any musical instrument
that is plainly audible outdoors from a distance of 100 feet or more(or 50 feet or more during
residential quiet hours); or
b. Any loudspeaker or amplifier operated outdoors during residential quiet hours that is plainly
audible from a distance of 50 feet or more.
"Plainly audible" means any sound that can be detected by a person using his or her unaided
hearing faculties. Example: If the sound source under investigation is a portable or personal
vehicular sound amplification or reproduction device,the enforcement officer need not
determine the title of a song,specific words, or the artist performing the song.The detection of
the rhythmic base component of the music is sufficient to constitute a plainly audible sound.
(3) The sound of any automobile,motorcycle or other vehicle so out of repair,so loaded or operated in
such manner that it creates loud noises such as spinning or squealing tires,grating,grinding, rattling or
other noise exceeding 85 decibels.
(4) The sound of any mechanical equipment installed at a fixed location(examples:fans,compressors,
condensers, pumps,generators,etc.), if:
a. When the equipment is operating, noise from the equipment is discernable at a point outside the
boundaries of the site where it is installed,and noise at that point is measured at a level of 70
dB(A)or higher;and
b. Immediately before or after operation of the equipment, noise at the same point is measured at
a level of 65 dB(A)or lower.
'Sec. 1,App.A,of Ord. No. 2098,adopted July 27,2020,amended art.II in its entirety to read as herein set out.
Former art. II pertained to the same subject matter,consisted of§§54-39-54-43,and derived from the
2003 Code.
West University Place,Texas,Code of Ordinances Created: 2024-07-14 13:49:38 [EST)
(Supp.No.45)
Page 1 of 3
(5) The sound of a discharge into the open air of the exhaust of any internal combustion motor or engine,
except through a muffler or other device which will effectively prevent loud or explosive noises
therefrom.
(6) The sound of any mechanical device operated by compressed air,except pneumatic drills, unless the
noise thereby created is effectively muffled and reduced.
(7) The sound produced by the erection,excavation, construction,or demolition of any building or
structure, including the use of any necessary tools or equipment, if produced:
a. During residential quiet hours, unless the dB(A) limitation in subsection 54-40(1)(a)is satisfied, or
the next sentence is applicable. If the sound is produced during residential quiet hours at a time
authorized in writing by the building official,a decibel limit of 85 dB(A)shall apply during the time
period authorized by the building official.
b. Outside residential quiet hours if the sound exceeds 85 dB(A)when measured from the property
line of the residential property where the sound is being received.This decibel limit is not
applicable when a current,valid permit has been obtained for the activities named and the
sounds are being produced outside of residential quiet hours.
(8) Any excessive noise made on any street adjacent to any school, institution of learning or court while
the same is in session,or adjacent to any hospital at any time,which noise unreasonably interferes
with the working of any such institution,provided conspicuous signs are displayed in such street
indicating that the same is a school, hospital or court street.
(9) Any loud and excessive noise resulting from the loading or unloading of any vehicle or container,or the
opening or destruction of bales, boxes,crates or containers.
(10) The sound of any bell,gong,whistle,siren,or other alarm or signaling device installed at a fixed
location which is reasonably calculated to disturb a person of ordinary disposition if such person were
in the vicinity thereof. Exceptions:This does not apply to:
a. An emergency alarm operated by the fire department or other governmental agency;
b. An alarm system permitted and operated in compliance with applicable regulations,including
automatic shutoff rules,see,e.g.chapter 26; or
c. Any gong, bell or chime used in a religious observance or prayer.
(11) The sound of any drum, loudspeaker or other instrument or device used to attract attention to any
performance, show or sale of merchandise.
(12) The sound made by loudspeakers or amplifiers on trucks or other vehicles.
(13) The sound made by leaf blowers, lawnmowers and other lawn and garden maintenance equipment
when operated during residential quiet hours.
(14) The sound made by lawnmowers or other lawn and garden equipment excluding leaf blowers operated
outside residential quiet hours that exceeds 85 dB(A) measured at 25 feet from such equipment.
(15) The sound made by any leaf blower operated outside residential quiet hours that exceeds 70 dB(A)
from a distance of 50 feet utilizing the American National Standard Institute Methodology(ANSI
B175.2).Any leaf blower that bears that certification shall be deemed to comply with any noise level
limit of this subsection provided it operates as the manufacturer designed.Any operator of a leaf
blower without this certification shall provide verification from the manufacturer confirming
compliance with this subsection, and for the purpose of clarity,the lack of such certification shall be a
violation of this subsection.
Created: 2024-07-14 13:49:38 [EST]
(Supp.No.45)
Page 2 of 3
(b) In the event of any conflict between this section and section 54-40,the provisions of this section shall
control.
(Ord. No. 2098, §1(App.A),7-27-2020)
Created: 2024-07-14 13:49:38 [EST]
(Supp. No.45)
Page 3 of 3
SIGHT DISTANCE
ANALYSIS ABC
MAJOR_THOROUGHFARE
INTERSECTIONS
ryof
West University Place Community Development
To: The Zoning and Planning Commission
From: Chris Guess,Planning and Zoning Administrator
Date: January 9,2025
Re: Sight Distance Analysis at Major Thoroughfare Intersections
Background Information:
City leadership has requested an in-depth review of the function of the existing"Street Visibility Triangle"
and its effectiveness at intersections with major thoroughfares. The concern is that when exiting West
University Place from a residentially classified street and entering a major thoroughfare with more lanes and
higher speed limits the existing street visibility triangle is insufficient and does not provide the driver with an
unobstructed view of oncoming traffic. Instead, staff has been instructed to review the effectiveness of a
"Sight Distance Analysis"which may provide additional visibility to the driver as they approach
intersections with a major thoroughfare.
The City of West University Place has some uniquely angled intersections.Notable uniquely angled
intersections with a major thoroughfare include Community Drive and Academy Street southbound at
Bissonnet Street. Additionally, exiting West University Place eastbound from a residentially classified street
to Kirby Drive has sparked a concern from citizens. The intensity of Kirby Drive coupled with the
commercial use and density of the sites along the westside of the thoroughfare are worth an in-depth review
of the function and applicable regulations.
Applicable Regulations
• Sec 82 -2.Definitions.
"Street visibility triangle means the area at a street corner lying within a triangular area beginning at the
intersection point of the curbs of the two streets forming the corner(which will normally be a tangent point
on a curved curb-line). Sides of the triangle extend 20 feet along each curb line (away from the intersection
point, following any curves in the curb). The third side is a straight line connecting the extended ends of such
20-foot curb-line sides. If there is no curb on such a street,the central flow line of the gutter or ditch is used
instead. The triangle may include both public and private property. The building official may prepare
example diagrams showing street visibility triangles."
"Driveway visibility triangle means the area within a triangle beginning at the intersection of the edge of a
driveway and the inside edge of a sidewalk(i.e., the edge farthest from the roadway). From the intersection
3826 Amherst St. www.westutx.gov
West University Place, TX 77005
713-662-5830
City of
West University Place Community Development
point,the first side of the triangle extends five feet inward(away from the roadway) along the edge of the
driveway,the second side of the triangle extends five feet along the edge of the sidewalk away from the
driveway, and the third side is a straight line connecting the extended ends of the first two sides. If there is no
sidewalk,the building official shall designate the probable location of a future sidewalk,which shall then be
used as if it were an existing sidewalk.A typical driveway will have two such triangles, one on each side.
The visibility triangle may include both public and private property. The building official may prepare
example diagrams showing driveway visibility triangles."
"Visibility triangle includes a street visibility triangle and a driveway visibility triangle."
• Major thoroughfares
(Sec. 18-202—Prohibition in front or side)"Major thoroughfare means Kirby Drive,Bissonnet Street or
Bellaire (West Holcombe)Boulevard."
(Sec 2-102. Certain Terms.)"Major thoroughfare. Bissonnet Street, Kirby Drive or Bellaire (West
Holcombe)Boulevard."
Staff Recommendation:
City staff recommends an analysis of intensity and obstructions for intersections with a major
thoroughfare. Staff recommends using the intersection of Plumb Street and Kirby Drive as a benchmark
intersection.
Attachments:
1. Exhibit: Example "Sight Distance Analysis" for typical Kirby Drive intersection
2. Diagram showing existing street visibility triangle
3. Historic Pictures from our"benchmark" intersection
4. Street Visibility Triangle& Sight Distance Analysis Overlayed (DRAFT) at benchmark intersection.
3826 Amherst St. www.westutx.gov
West University Place, TX 77005
713-662-5830
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