City Council
Staff Report
From: City Manager
Report Type: INFORMATION REPORTS
Lead Department: Public Works
Meeting Date: December 16, 2024
Report #:2405-2985
TITLE
2023 Palo Alto Airport Noise Annual Report; CEQA Status – Not a Project
RECOMMENDATION
This is an informational report and no action is being requested.
BACKGROUND
The objective of the Palo Alto Airport (PAO) Annual Aircraft Noise Report is to analyze noise patterns in the vicinity and assess adherence to established voluntary noise abatement procedures. The 2023 Annual Aircraft Noise Report (Attachment A) was compiled by Airport Division staff of the Public Works Department, utilizing data from aircraft noise complaints received throughout the 2023 calendar year.
PAO receives noise complaints via email at [email protected] and a designated hotline at (650) 329-2405. Staff reviews and responds timely to all complaints, ascertaining from complainants their contact information and the date, time, and description of the offending occurrence. Staff reviews and compiles the data to determine flying activity trends. Staff contacts pilots when violations are observed or reported, advising them of established procedures, requesting compliance, and reminding them about the City’s strong commitment to limiting the community impacts from airport noise.
Staff conducts regular meetings with pilots, businesses, and Air Traffic Control to review trends and further engage in discussions on best practices for noise abatement.
ANALYSIS
This report is generated on an annual basis and posted to the Airport’s webpage.1 1 Palo Alto Annual Airport Noise Reports; https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/Departments/Public-Works/Palo-Alto- Airport
Staff has been made aware of a substantial number of complaints received by San Francisco International Airport (SFO) designated by SFO as regarding PAO aircraft. These complaints are received through an app, email, phone, mail, and a third-party website (stop.jetnoise.net). Staff is working with the SFO Noise Office to understand and verify the complaints.
Staff has entered into a short-term trial contract and is currently testing a new web-based software aimed at enhancing real-time monitoring and tracking of airport operations. This program is expected to improve noise monitoring capabilities at the airport.
FISCAL/RESOURCE IMPACT
There are no fiscal impacts associated with this informational report.
STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT
The Airport has consistently engaged stakeholders of the airport and will continue to collaborate with them regarding noise concerns and complaints. Airport staff attends monthly meetings with the Palo Alto Airport Association, representing a diverse array of airport users including flight schools, charter flight operators, corporate pilots, and private users. Trends in noise abatement are a common topic of discussion during those meetings.
Additionally, airport staff actively participates in educational and informational conferences, such as the University of California at Davis Noise Symposium Conference, to stay abreast of the latest industry trends and innovations pertaining to noise and emissions at the airport.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
This is not a project under Section 21065 for purposes of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment A: 2023 PAO Annual Noise Report
APPROVED BY:
Brad Eggleston, Director Public Works/City Engineer