Aircraft Noise: Compton vs Santa Monica
How do aircraft noise rules compare between Compton, CA and Santa Monica, CA?
Compton has fewer restrictions than Santa Monica.
Compton, CA
Los Angeles County
Compton does not regulate aircraft noise locally. Compton/Woodley Airport (CPM) is a general aviation airport within city limits. Aircraft operations are regulated by the FAA. The city has limited recourse for aircraft noise issues.
View full Compton rules →Santa Monica, CA
Los Angeles County
Santa Monica Municipal Airport (SMO) has one of the most restrictive airport noise ordinances in California. The City imposes CNEL-based noise contours, a Fly Neighborly Program, and operational restrictions. Evening flights carry a 4.8 dB penalty and nighttime flights a 10 dB penalty in CNEL calculations.
View full Santa Monica rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Compton | Santa Monica |
|---|---|---|
| Airport | Compton/Woodley Airport (CPM) | SMO / KSMO |
| Operator | LA County Dept. of Public Works | - |
| Regulation | FAA (federal preemption) | - |
| Also Affected By | LAX flight paths | - |
| Airport Manager | (310) 631-8140 | - |
| Night Penalty | - | +10 dB in CNEL |
| Runway | - | 3,500 ft (shortened 2017) |
| Noise Program | - | Fly Neighborly |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Compton FAQ
Does Compton regulate aircraft noise?
No. Aircraft noise is exclusively regulated by the FAA. The city has no authority over flight operations at Compton/Woodley Airport or LAX overflights.
Where do I report aircraft noise in Compton?
Contact the Compton/Woodley Airport manager at (310) 631-8140 for local airport noise, or LAX noise management at (424) 646-7050 for commercial aircraft.
Santa Monica FAQ
Does Santa Monica have airport noise restrictions?
Yes. Santa Monica Municipal Airport (SMO) has one of the strictest noise ordinances in California, with CNEL-based contours, a Fly Neighborly Program, and runway shortening to reduce jet traffic.
How do I report aircraft noise in Santa Monica?
Submit a noise inquiry through the City's airport noise monitoring system or use the Webtrak flight tracker to identify specific flights. The Noise Operations Office investigates complaints.
Compare other topics
See how Compton and Santa Monica compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool