The following insulation and construction standards for sound controls are hereby established for all new construction or reconstruction of attached residential structures, including apartments, townhouses, row houses, condominiums, or any other type of housing having common or party walls separating individual living units:
(a) Common or party walls separating dwelling units shall be constructed and insulated to achieve a minimum S.T.C. (Sound Transmission Class) of fifty-five (55).
(b) Penetrations or openings in construction assemblies for piping, electrical devices, recessed cabinets, bathtubs, soffits or heating, ventilating and exhaust ducts shall be sealed, lined, insulated or otherwise treated to reduce sound transmission.
(c) Recessed electrical distribution panels shall be installed on interior walls, not on common walls or floors between living units.
(d) Resilient clips or channels shall be installed between joists/studs and drywall on ceilings, walls and/or floors between living units.
(e) Recessed medicine cabinets, wall mounted telephones, door bells, intercoms or other noise making devices shall be installed on interior walls, not on common or party walls.
(f) Entry and exit points for the electrical service and/or plumbing shall be avoided or minimized on common or party walls wherever feasible. Where required, they shall be properly sealed.
(g) Plates shall be installed on a City approved sealant material at base of common or party walls; wall finish shall be run to floor where possible and shall be caulked air tight on both sides.
(Ord. 89-75. Passed 11-9-89.)