Aircraft Noise: Burbank vs Norwalk
How do aircraft noise rules compare between Burbank, CA and Norwalk, CA?
Burbank has fewer restrictions than Norwalk.
Burbank, CA
Los Angeles County
No Burbank city ordinance can directly restrict aircraft operations; aircraft noise is governed by federal law (the Airport Noise and Capacity Act of 1990 and FAA regulations), and Hollywood Burbank Airport instead runs a voluntary 10 P.M.-7 A.M. nighttime curfew after the FAA in 2009 declined to approve a mandatory one.
View full Burbank rules →Norwalk, CA
Los Angeles County
California sets statewide airport noise limits under Title 21 CCR, with the state preempting most local aviation noise control because federal FAA authority dominates aircraft operations in flight.
View full Norwalk rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Burbank | Norwalk |
|---|---|---|
| Governing law | ANCA 1990; 14 C.F.R. Part 161 (federal) | - |
| Local authority | Preempted; no binding city ordinance | - |
| Voluntary curfew | 10:00 P.M. - 7:00 A.M. | - |
| FAA ruling | Nov. 2009 - mandatory curfew denied | - |
| Standard | - | 65 dB CNEL boundary |
| Authority | - | Caltrans Aeronautics |
| Code | - | Title 21 CCR §5000+ |
| Federal overlay | - | FAA preemption |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Burbank FAQ
Why can't Burbank just ban late-night flights?
The Airport Noise and Capacity Act of 1990 and FAA Part 161 preempt local governments from imposing new aircraft noise or access restrictions without FAA approval; the FAA denied Burbank's Part 161 mandatory-curfew application in 2009.
Is there any nighttime flight curfew at Hollywood Burbank Airport?
Yes, but it is voluntary: between 10 P.M. and 7 A.M. takeoffs and landings of noisy aircraft are requested to be avoided, except for emergencies, weather-alternate use, and air traffic control delays.
Norwalk FAQ
Can my city ban loud planes overhead?
No. Federal law preempts municipal regulation of aircraft in flight. California's state rules govern airport-side noise contours, but cities cannot impose flight path or altitude restrictions.
Who do I complain to about aircraft noise?
Contact the airport proprietor's noise office first, then Caltrans Division of Aeronautics for state-level concerns and the FAA for in-flight or air traffic control issues.
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