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A full evaluation of the proposal was presented to the Planning Commission at their December 4, 2013, Regular Meeting. The staff report to the Planning Commission regarding this application is included in Attachment E. Noise The Zoning Code does not include specific regulations regarding acceptable levels of noise. However, all properties in the City must meet the noise rules established by the State of based on the land use at the location of the person that hears the noise. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) has been given statutory authority to enforce the state noise rules. It should be noted that the established state noise level standards preempt any local regulations. Boston Scientific has retained ESI Engineering as an acoustical consultant for the project. The firm has measuredexisting conditions to document baseline noise levels. These measurements were taken on December 3, 2013, and a Summary Report is included in Attachment D. The survey results indicate that the noise from the existing mechanical equipment located in Building 14 meets the MPCA nighttime noise requirements. Boston Scientific has taken several steps to ensure that noise from equipment in the proposed addition will meet MPCA noise requirements. The company will be purchasing new air compressors and vacuum pumps that produce lower levels of noise than the equipment currently being used in Building 14. Equipment in the new mechanical room will also be placed on vibration reducing pads. Design measures included in the construction of the addition will help reduce ambient noise levels. The building walls will be comprised of dense, sound-blocking concrete and sound absorptive duct lining will be used at all ventilation openings to the exterior. Finally, Boston Scientific will perform a noise test following the installation of the new equipment to verify acceptable noise levels. Screening The Zoning Code requires screening to be provided where any business or industrial use is adjacent to a residential zoning district. Anexisting stand of mature coniferous and deciduous trees between Building 14 and property line satisfies this requirement. A 45 foot wide trail corridor located between the boundary of the Boston Scientific campus and the adjacent residential lots provides an additional landscaped buffer. Two Spruce trees would be planted as part of this proposal and would be sited in the vicinity of the addition to provide additional screening along the northwest property line. The landscape plan included in Attachment C indicates the proposed location of these trees. Boston Scientific is planning to discuss the placement of the trees with an adjacent property owner who was in City of Arden Hills City Council Meeting for January 13, 2014 P:\Planning\Planning Cases\2013\PC 13-021 - PUD Amendment - Boston Scientific\Memos_Reports_13-021 Page 3 of 5