LA County does not regulate aircraft engine run-ups; airport operators do. LAX (Los Angeles World Airports) caps run-ups at designated bays with hush-house enclosures. Bob Hope (Burbank) restricts maintenance run-ups overnight. Long Beach Airport's Noise Ordinance is the strictest in California.
Engine run-up noise sits with the airport proprietor under the Anti-Head Tax Act and federal preemption of airspace operations. Within LA County's three commercial airports, rules vary. At LAX, Los Angeles World Airports requires run-ups in hush-houses or designated maintenance pads, with overnight operations limited to engines below specific thrust levels. Hollywood Burbank Airport (Bob Hope) prohibits maintenance run-ups between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. except in the GE engine-test enclosure. Long Beach Airport runs the most restrictive Noise Compatibility Ordinance (LBMC §16.43): a daily noise budget, mandatory CNEL caps, and a curfew with steep fines. Smaller fields like Compton, El Monte, and Whiteman ban run-ups outside published hours.
Violations are enforced by airport noise offices, not by LA County. Long Beach issues fines up to $7,000 per CNEL violation under LBMC §16.43. LAWA can revoke maintenance permits at LAX. Federal Part 161 protects existing rules.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Glendale, CA
Glendale limits construction noise to 7 AM to 7 PM on weekdays and 8 AM to 5 PM on Saturdays. Construction is prohibited on Sundays and city-observed holiday...
Glendale, CA
Glendale is impacted by aircraft noise from Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR), located adjacent to the city's southeastern border. Aircraft noise is federally ...
Glendale, CA
Glendale enforces nighttime noise restrictions under the Glendale Municipal Code. It is unlawful to operate radios, musical instruments, TVs, or other sound-...
Glendale, CA
Glendale addresses barking dogs under its noise ordinance and animal control regulations. Persistent barking that disturbs neighbors constitutes a nuisance. ...
Glendale, CA
Glendale restricts amplified sound under GMC 8.36 Article II. Sound-amplifying equipment may not exceed 15 dBA above the actual or presumed ambient at any pr...
Glendale, CA
Glendale enforces presumed ambient noise standards under GMC 8.36.040. Residential (single-family/duplex) zones are limited to 55 dBA daytime and 45 dBA nigh...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Los Angeles County.
See how Glendale's airport engine run-up rules stack up against other locations.
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