Federal law preempts local control of aircraft engine maintenance run-ups at George Bush Intercontinental and William P. Hobby. Houston Airport System sets voluntary nighttime run-up procedures and dedicated run-up pads. Harris County cannot fine carriers for engine noise but logs Part 150 noise complaints.
Under the Airline Deregulation Act and 49 U.S.C. 41713, federal law preempts local regulation of aircraft operations including ground engine run-ups. Houston Airport System operates IAH and Hobby (HOU) and follows FAA Part 150 Noise Compatibility Plans approved in the 2010s. Run-ups at IAH are restricted to designated pads and night maintenance run-ups generally must use the western pad with thrust limits between ten PM and seven AM. Hobby has similar voluntary nighttime restrictions. Harris County Pollution Control and HAS jointly track Part 150 noise complaints through the WebTrak public portal. Local nuisance lawsuits are routinely preempted by Burbank-Glendale-Pasadena Airport Auth. v. City of Burbank precedent.
Local fines are not available against airlines for engine run-ups due to federal preemption. Repeated violations of HAS run-up procedures can lead to airline lease penalties, FAA Part 139 enforcement, and removal of after-hours run-up privileges by the airport director.
Baytown, TX
Baytown enforces noise regulations under its Code of Ordinances. Quiet hours are 10 PM to 6 AM in residential areas. Located near major ExxonMobil and Chevro...
Baytown, TX
Baytown Code of Ordinances Chapter 34 (Nuisances) regulates construction noise in residential areas. Construction activities producing loud noise are restric...
Baytown, TX
Baytown Code of Ordinances Chapter 34 (Nuisances) prohibits unreasonably loud or disturbing sounds including amplified music. Sound from loudspeakers, PA sys...
Baytown, TX
Baytown Code of Ordinances Chapter 14 (Animals) addresses barking dogs as a nuisance. A dog that barks, howls, or makes excessive noise continuously for an e...
Baytown, TX
Baytown does not have a specific ordinance restricting leaf blower use. Gas-powered and electric leaf blowers are permitted for residential and commercial la...
Baytown, TX
Baytown does not have a formal dibs or space-saving parking system. Residents may not reserve public street parking spaces with objects. Texas does not exper...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Harris County.
See how Baytown's airport engine run-up rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.