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.
Humble, TX
Humble Code §8.03.011 prohibits construction, demolition, and power lawn mower operation between 10:00 PM and 6:00 AM. Heavy equipment (§8.03.008) also prohi...
Humble, TX
Keeping any animal or bird that causes frequent or long-continued noise disturbing the vicinity is a violation of Humble's noise ordinance (Art. 8.03).
Humble, TX
Aircraft noise is federally preempted. Humble has no local aircraft noise ordinance. The city is near Houston Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH).
Humble, TX
Humble does not have a standalone ordinance regulating leaf blower use. Gas-powered and electric leaf blowers are permitted for residential and commercial la...
Humble, TX
Humble Code of Ordinances Chapter 38 (Nuisances) prohibits unreasonably loud or disturbing sounds including amplified music. Sound from loudspeakers, PA syst...
Humble, TX
Humble regulates driveway construction and parking on residential property. Vehicles must be parked on improved surfaces — parking on grass, dirt, or unpaved...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Harris County.
See how Humble's airport engine run-up rules stack up against other locations.
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