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πŸ”Š Noise Ordinances/Aircraft Noise

Aircraft Noise: Long Beach vs Santa Monica

How do aircraft noise rules compare between Long Beach, CA and Santa Monica, CA?

Long Beach has fewer restrictions than Santa Monica.

Long Beach, CA

Los Angeles County

Few Restrictions

Long Beach Airport (LGB) operates under a Noise Compatibility Program. The city has a Noise Abatement Program with curfews for Stage 2 jets and nighttime restrictions.

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Santa Monica, CA

Los Angeles County

Heavy Restrictions

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.

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Key Facts Comparison

FactLong BeachSanta Monica
AirportLong Beach Airport (LGB)SMO / KSMO
CurfewStage 2 jets restricted overnight-
Complaintsflylgb.com-
Federal PreemptionFAA controls airspace/overflights-
Night Penalty-+10 dB in CNEL
Runway-3,500 ft (shortened 2017)
Noise Program-Fly Neighborly

Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.

Long Beach FAQ

Does Long Beach Airport have a curfew?

Yes. Mandatory flight curfew from 10 PM to 7 AM with very limited exceptions. One of the strictest in the US.

Why are there so few flights?

Daily slots are capped at 50 commercial and 25 commuter flights under the noise ordinance.

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.

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