General performance standards.
El Paso City Code § 20.10.020
in effect20.10.020 - General performance standards.
The general performance standards set forth below are intended to reduce the impacts that development may have on adjacent properties. Satisfactory compliance with the performance standards shall be required to be demonstrated for a particular use at the time of issuance of a building permit or certificate of occupancy, and continued compliance with the performance standards shall be enforced by the city against any use if there are reasonable grounds to believe that the performance standards are being violated by such use. The determination of the existence of any dangerous and objectionable elements shall be made at the location of the use creating the same and at any point where the existence of such elements may be more apparent.
A. Noise. No use permissible in any zoning district may generate noise that tends to have an annoying or disruptive effect upon uses located outside the immediate space occupied by the use if that use is one of several located on a lot, or uses located on adjacent lots. The maximum permissible noise levels are set forth in Chapter 9.40 (Noise) of this Code. Maximum permissible noise levels shall vary according to the use and zoning of the lot(s). Decibel level measurements shall be taken at the boundary line of the lot where the use is located.
B. Vibration. No use permissible in any zoning district may generate any ground-transmitted vibration that is perceptible to the human sense of touch measured at the outside boundary of the immediate space occupied by the use generating the vibration if the use is one of several located on a lot, or the lot line if the use generating the vibration is the only use located on a lot. Ground-transmitted vibration shall not be permitted in excess of the maximum limits set forth in Chapter 9.16 (Nuisances) of this Code. Vibration shall be measured at any adjacent lot line with suitable instrumentation or computed on the basis of displacement and frequency.
C. Odors. No use permissible in any zoning district may generate any odor that reaches the odor threshold measured at the outside boundary of the immediate space occupied by the use generating the odor, or the lot line if the use generating the odor is the only use located on a lot. For purposes of this section, the odor threshold shall be defined as the minimum concentration in air of a gas, vapor, or particulate matter that can be detected by the olfactory system as set forth in Chapter 9.16 (Nuisances) of this Code.
D. Air Pollution. Any use permissible in any zoning district that emits any air contaminant shall comply with applicable standards of Chapter 9.36 (Air Pollution) of this Code, 30 TAC (Texas Administrative Code), and any state or federal standards concerning air pollution. No permit may be issued for a use emitting an "air contaminant" until the state or federal agency with jurisdiction has certified to the city that the appropriate permits have been received or that the development is otherwise in compliance with applicable laws.
E. Disposal of Liquid Wastes. No use permissible in any zoning district may:
1. Discharge any waste contrary to the provisions of Title 19 (Subdivisions) of this Code, and any state or federal law governing discharges of radiological, chemical, or biological wastes into surface or subsurface waters; or
2. Discharge into the city sewage treatment facilities any waste that cannot be adequately treated by biological means, or without the permission of the El Paso Water Utility.
F. Electrical Disturbance or Interference. No use permissible in any zoning district may:
1. Create any electrical disturbance that adversely affects any operations or equipment other than those of the creator of such disturbance; or
2. Otherwise cause, create, or contribute to the interference with electronic signals (including, but not limited to, television, telephone and radio broadcasting transmissions) to the extent that the operation of any equipment not owned by the creator of such disturbance is adversely affected.
G. Fire and Explosion Hazards. All activities involving and all storage of flammable and explosive materials shall ensure there are adequate safety devices against the hazard of fire and explosion, and adequate firefighting and fire suppression equipment and devices standard in the industry pursuant to applicable sections of Chapter 9.52 (Fire Prevention Code) of this Code, and any relevant state or federal standards.
H. Glare. No direct or sky-reflected glare from high-temperature processes, such as but not limited to combustion, welding or otherwise, so as to be visible at the property line shall be permitted.
I. Lighting. All entrances, exits, parking lots, and other common areas and facilities within a lot shall be sufficiently illuminated to ensure the security of property and the safety of persons using such areas and facilities, provided, however, that lighting within a lot shall be adequately shielded or directed so that illumination is provided in a manner that would not substantially interfere with the use or enjoyment of neighboring properties, and is in compliance with Title 18.
(Ord. 16653 § 2 (part), 2007)
Source: City of El Paso, City Code and City Charter (Municode Library, library.municode.com)URL: https://library.municode.com/tx/el_paso/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=TIT20ZO_CH20.10SUUSRE_20.10.020GEPESTFetched: 10/28/2026