Issaquah commission reviews noise-code changes to allow heat pumps, sets mitigation steps

The Issaquah Planning Policy Commission on Jan. 9 reviewed proposed amendments to the city's noise and accessory standards that would make it easier to install heat pumps, air-conditioner condensers and similar residential mechanical equipment while requiring mitigation when equipment exceeds state limits.

City staff said the proposed changes respond to modern equipment noise levels and the growing need for residential cooling. "Mechanical equipment is referring to heat pumps, air conditioner condensers, and other similar heating or cooling home amenities," Madeline Nelson, a planning intern, told commissioners during the presentation. Nelson said state residential noise limits are 55 decibels during the day and 45 decibels at night as measured at the property line and that many modern units are manufactured at 60'to'70 decibels, making the state standard difficult to meet at shared property lines in townhomes and middle-housing configurations.

Why it matters: Commissioners…