Long Beach Council adopts updated airport noise ordinance and electric scooter pilot program

The Long Beach City Council made significant strides in addressing airport noise concerns during their meeting on April 22, 2025. A key ordinance was adopted to amend the municipal code related to airport noise compatibility, marking a crucial update aimed at modernizing regulations and enhancing community relations.

Councilmember Kerr emphasized the importance of clarifying the ordinance, which updates fines that had remained unchanged since the 1990s. The new fines have been doubled to better serve as a deterrent against noise violations, reflecting current inflation rates. Kerr noted that while the city is bound by FAA regulations, this ordinance allows for necessary updates without risking the airport's grandfathered status. The changes also include administrative updates to runway designations and the removal of outdated references, ensuring the ordinance aligns with contemporary airport operations.

City Attorney clarifications highlighted that the ordinance does not alter flight schedules, dispelling community concerns about potential late-night flights. Instead, it focuses on improving compliance and communication regarding noise regulations.

In addition to the airport noise ordinance, the council discussed a pilot program for electric scooters on the beach path. Public comments raised safety concerns, particularly regarding speeding vehicles around Cal State Long Beach, where two fatalities have occurred. Advocates called for the implementation of speed cameras to enhance safety for both scooter users and pedestrians.

The council's actions reflect a commitment to balancing community needs with modern operational standards, paving the way for safer and more compliant airport and transportation practices in Long Beach.