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Page 2 of 3 <br /> <br />to ensure the facility does not exceed maximum notice standards. If necessary, Applicant will take <br />steps to correct any deficiencies.” and “13. Applicant will complete yearly noise studies on <br />Building 14 and provide the results and findings to the City and take steps to correct any <br />deficiencies that are identified by the studies.” <br /> <br />Building permits for the addition were issued on September 28, 2021 and the temporary certificate <br />of occupancy was issued as of December 27, 2022, subject to the required noise study once the <br />building was operational. <br /> <br />The first noise study was conducted in 2023 and the results were submitted to the City. In the <br />study’s findings, it was identified that the noise from the facility exceeded the maximum noise <br />standards, and the Applicant was required to take corrective action. It was determined that the <br />source of the noise was due to an air compressor that was not part of the replacement equipment <br />with the addition but was in existence prior to the project. The Applicant proposed a mechanical <br />screen wall at the northwest corner of Building 14 for noise barrier and was issued a building <br />permit on October 11, 2023 for its construction. The construction of the screen wall passed final <br />building inspection as of March 18, 2024. Two additional noise studies were conducted in the first <br />half of 2024 that verified the noise levels from the facility were within the permitted MPCA noise <br />standards. <br /> <br />The Applicant has remained compliant with the conditions of approval for the PUD Amendment <br />and will need to continue to supply the City with the results from annual noise studies. <br /> <br />Discussion <br /> <br />Concept Plan Proposal <br />The Applicant has provided a concept plan for the construction of a noise barrier wall to be <br />constructed on the Subject Property between Building 14 and the adjacent city trail and residential <br />properties to the northwest. The stated purpose of the barrier is to further reduce the level of Boston <br />Scientific generated noise that leaves the campus and reaches adjacent neighborhood properties. <br />The barrier wall installation is stated to help reduce noise while preserving a clean, attractive <br />environment. <br /> <br />The proposed noise barrier wall would extend 526 lineal feet and range in height from eight (8) <br />feet to 21 feet as measured from existing grade. The proposed location of the wall would be offset <br />from the property line and follow the curvature of the nearest property line which is shared with <br />City-owned property where a trail is located. The proposed materials for the noise barrier wall are <br />treated pine boards and precast concrete. Construction of the proposed wall would require the <br />removal of significant trees on the Subject Property and the Applicant has stated that the proposed <br />project would include significant landscape improvements to the Subject Property on the trail side <br />of the barrier and the Building 14 side of the barrier. <br /> <br />Based on an initial review, staff believes a future proposal would require a land use request for a <br />Planned Unit Development Amendment due to the proposed height of the noise barrier wall. Per <br />Section 1325.05 Design Standards Subd. 4 Screening, screens and buffers are designated units of <br />yard or open area where setbacks, landscaping, berming, walls, and fencing help minimize adverse <br />impacts of public nuisances, such as noise. In Section D. Fences of 1325.05, 4. Height of Fences <br />in Business and Industrial Districts. Fences may be up to eight (8) feet in height in the side and <br />rear yards up to the front building line of the principal structure. As the proposed wall would <br />exceed 8 feet, City approval is required.