§ 15-703. Environmental performance standards.

(a) In general.

All uses in the commercial districts and the IMU-1 and -2 and I-1 Districts must be operated so as to comply with the performance standards described in this section. In addition to these performance standards, all uses must be constructed, maintained, and operated so as not to be injurious to the use and occupation of the adjacent premises by reason of the emission or creation of noise, vibration, radiation, fire, explosive hazard, or glare. Nothing in this section may be construed to alter, change, modify, or abrogate any authority granted exclusively to any state or federal regulations.

(b) Noise.

No activity or use may be conducted in a manner that generates a level of sound as measured on another property greater than that allowed by federal, state, or local regulations. These limits do not apply to construction noises, noises emanating from safety signals or warning devices, noises not directly under the control of the owner or occupant of the property, or transient noises from moving sources, such as motor vehicles, railroads, or aircraft.

(c) Glare and heat.

Any activity or the operation of any use that produces glare or heat must be conducted so that no glare or heat from the activity or operation is detectable at any point off the lot on which the use is located. Flickering or intense sources of light must be controlled or shielded so as not to cause a nuisance across lot lines.

(d) Vibration.

No earthborne vibration from the operation of any use may be detectable at any point off the lot on which the use is located.

(e) Dust and air pollution.

Dust and other types of air pollution, borne by the wind from sources such as storage areas, yards, roads, conveying equipment, and the like on the lot, must be kept to a minimum by appropriate landscaping, screening, sheltering, paving, fencing, wetting, collecting, or other acceptable means.

(f) Discharge and disposal of radioactive and hazardous waste.

The discharge or disposal of radioactive or hazardous waste materials must comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, rules, and regulations that govern those materials or waste, generally. Radioactive and hazardous waste materials must be transported, stored, and used in conformance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, rules, and regulations.

(g) Odors.

Any condition or operation that results in the creation of odors of an intensity and character as to be detrimental to the health and welfare of the public or that interferes unreasonably with the comfort of the public, must be removed, stopped, or modified so as to remove the odor.

(h) Toxic substances.

The storage, handling, or transport of toxic substances must comply with federal, state, and local laws, rules, and regulations.

(i) Fire and explosion hazards.

Materials that present potential fire or explosion hazards must be transported, stored, and used only in conformance with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations.