City Council adopts interim ‘non‑addition’ rule to limit noisy jets at Van Nuys Airport

The Los Angeles City Council on Wednesday adopted an interim “non‑addition” ordinance intended to stop growth in the number of loud Stage 2 aircraft based at Van Nuys Airport, voting to approve the measure as amended and directing Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) to begin further federal study and monitoring.

The ordinance freezes the present number of based Stage 2 aircraft (those with certified noise levels above about 77 dBA as defined in FAA advisory material) and prohibits new permanently based aircraft of the same noisy category. The council approved the measure and a related amendment directing LAWA to initiate a Part 161 study and to report on economic and noise impacts; the roll call recorded 13 ayes and the motion was declared approved.

Council members and LAWA staff framed the ordinance as an interim compromise aimed at halting an increase in the loudest jets while LAWA, the FAA and airport users continue work on longer‑term solutions. LAWA’s Lydia Kennard described the ordinance’s main provisions: an exemption for quieter Stage 3 aircraft; limited replacement rights for existing Stage 2 aircraft (replacement with aircraft up to 85 dBA allowed until Dec. 31, 2005, after which only Stage 3 or quieter aircraft may be based); and an exemption to permit aircraft to visit Van Nuys for maintenance or repair under strict conditions so they are not…