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.
Santa Monica Municipal Airport (SMO/KSMO) operates under strict City noise management provisions. The City's Airport Noise Ordinance limits the types and times of aircraft operations. CNEL (Community Noise Equivalent Level) contours are calculated annually using FAA's Aviation Environmental Design Tool (AEDT), with penalties of 4.8 dB for evening operations (7 PM–10 PM) and 10 dB for nighttime operations (10 PM–7 AM). The Fly Neighborly Program educates pilots on noise-sensitive departure and arrival procedures. Airport noise monitoring stations track compliance. Santa Monica's General Plan Noise Element addresses airport noise zones and land use compatibility. In 2017, the City reached an agreement with the FAA to shorten the runway from 5,000 to 3,500 feet, reducing jet traffic. The airport has been the subject of ongoing closure discussions, with lease agreements extending through 2028. Residents can submit noise inquiries through the City's airport noise monitoring system or the Webtrak flight tracker.
Pilots violating airport noise ordinance provisions may face fines and operational restrictions at SMO. The Noise Operations Office investigates complaints and coordinates with FAA enforcement.
Santa Monica, CA
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Santa Monica, CA
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Santa Monica, CA
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Los Angeles County.
See how other cities in Los Angeles County handle aircraft noise.
See how Santa Monica's aircraft noise rules stack up against other locations.
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