Pittsburgh, PA Noise Ordinances: Aircraft Noise (2026)

Applicants shall submit a noise analysis demonstrating the noise impact in terms of Ldn. If this analysis demonstrates a +3 dBLdn increase due to the helistop and this increase results in noise levels exceeding seventy-five (75) dBLdn at residential uses in residential zoning districts, the application shall be denied.

(c) An environmental report addressing the pertinent sixteen (16) specific environmental categories (out of twenty (20) categories) outlined by the Federal Aviation Administration in Order 5050.4A. Airport Environmental Handbook (as may be amended), shall be submitted by the applicant to the City Planning Commission so that the environmental effects of the proposed heliport along with the proposed use, purpose and need of the heliport can serve as the basis for the Planning Commission's recommendation to City Council concerning approval of the proposed heliport. In evaluating the impact of the environmental categories, the reviewing authority shall adopt and use for helicopter landing areas the regulations and descriptions of the specific impact categories contained in the Federal Aviation Administration Order 5050.4A. Airport Environmental Handbook as may be amended. The sixteen (16) categories are:

(1) Noise in terms of Ldn via analysis utilizing the FAA helicopter noise model;

(2) Compatible land use within four hundred (400) feet of the heliport and under approach/departure paths and associated transition zones;

(3) Social impacts;

(4)