Long Beach City Council updates airport noise ordinance and addresses safety concerns

The Long Beach City Council convened on April 22, 2025, to address several key issues impacting the community, including updates to the airport noise ordinance and the introduction of a pilot program for electric scooters on the beach path.

One of the primary discussions centered around the amendment of the city’s noise ordinance, which aims to modernize regulations in line with current airport operations. City officials clarified that while the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) imposes certain limitations, the city is taking steps to update its fines, which had remained unchanged since the 1990s. The new ordinance will double these fines to better serve as a deterrent against noise violations, reflecting inflation and community concerns. Importantly, the changes do not alter existing flight hours, dispelling rumors that they would allow flights during restricted nighttime hours.

In addition to the noise ordinance, the council also reviewed a pilot program for electric scooters intended for use along the beach path. This initiative has raised safety concerns among residents, particularly regarding the dangers posed by speeding vehicles in the vicinity of Cal State Long Beach. Community members voiced their support for the scooter program while urging the council to consider implementing speed cameras to enhance safety and reduce traffic fatalities. The tragic deaths of two individuals in recent accidents were highlighted as a pressing reason for the need for increased traffic enforcement measures.

The meeting concluded with a commitment from council members to continue addressing these safety issues and to keep the community informed about the progress of the electric scooter pilot program and the potential for speed camera legislation. As Long Beach moves forward, these discussions reflect a broader commitment to enhancing public safety and adapting city regulations to meet contemporary needs.