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Sixplex appendix: council considers modest sound‑transmission edits to limit cost increases
Summary
Council reviewed edits to let sixplexes be built under the residential code while reintroducing sound‑transmission requirements; small exceptions (e.g., not requiring attenuation over incidental common areas) were discussed as cost‑saving measures but found unlikely to be widely used.
Roger Haringa presented edits to the multiplex (sixplex) appendix intended to permit sixplexes under the residential code while addressing sound‑transmission concerns raised in public comment.
"If you think about a floor‑ceiling assembly where you have a dwelling unit above and a common use area below, could we not require that there is sound transmission there?" Haringa asked, describing limited common‑use areas like bike storage that may not warrant full attenuation. He noted the changes would slightly reduce cost in some configurations but acknowledged that builders often install insulation for energy code reasons, which may limit savings.
Members discussed whether removing attenuation requirements between units and incidental common areas would significantly reduce cost; most agreed savings would be modest. Council noted that the appendix already reduces some sound standards compared with the IBC and concluded there was not strong support for a broad rollback. The council left the current language in place for now, with the option to revisit if members raise strong objections next week.
