Aircraft Noise: Burbank vs Palmdale
How do aircraft noise rules compare between Burbank, CA and Palmdale, CA?
Burbank has fewer restrictions than Palmdale.
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 →Palmdale, CA
Los Angeles County
Palmdale uses Air Force AICUZ noise contours and AF Land Use Compatibility Guidelines to restrict noise-sensitive uses (residential, schools, assisted living) within the 65 dBA CNEL contour and Frequent Overflight Area for Plant 42.
View full Palmdale rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Burbank | Palmdale |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | - |
| Facility | - | USAF Plant 42 |
| Trigger | - | 65 dBA CNEL contour |
| Disclosure | - | Required at sale |
| Aviation Easement | - | Required at approval |
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.
Palmdale FAQ
Does my Palmdale property require an aircraft noise disclosure?
Yes, if your property lies within the Accident Potential Zone (APZ) or Air Installations Compatible Use Zones (AICUZ) overlay, the city requires a disclosure statement at sale that the property is subject to frequent overflight and aircraft noise from Plant 42.
Why are there restrictions on building homes near Plant 42?
The city restricts noise-sensitive land uses within the 65 dBA CNEL contour and Frequent Overflight Area to protect the operational viability of USAF Plant 42 and to protect residents from sustained high-noise impacts.
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