SUBJECT
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Public Hearing and Introductory Ordinance adopting and implementing the Laredo International Airport’s revised Noise Compatibility Program (NCP) in concurrence with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) record of approval. The NCP was prepared pursuant to 14 CFR Part 150. The revised Noise Compatibility Program establishes a standardized process for assessing aircraft noise exposure and identifying measures to promote compatible land use in areas surrounding airports; providing for severability; and effective date.
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VIVA LAREDO PLAN ALIGNMENT
Alignment Rating: Strong
Supporting goal(s)/policy(ies):
• Policy 1.1 - Protect Public Health and Safety
Supports regulations and programs that reduce environmental impacts affecting residents.
• Policy 1.3 - Minimize Environmental Impacts on Neighborhoods
Encourages mitigation of noise, air, and other environmental impacts caused by major infrastructure.
• Policy 2.1 - Encourage Compatible Land Uses
Directs development to occur in a manner consistent with surrounding land uses and infrastructure.
• Policy 2.2 - Use Zoning and Development Regulations Strategically
Supports overlay districts and development standards to mitigate land use conflicts.
• Policy 2.4 - Prevent Incompatible Development
Discourages development patterns that create long-term conflicts or safety concerns.
• Policy 3.3 - Balance Infrastructure with Community Impacts
Supports mitigation strategies to reduce adverse effects of infrastructure on nearby neighborhoods.
• Policy 4.2 - Protect Long-Term Functionality of Key Assets
Encourages land use and regulatory decisions that preserve the operational integrity of major facilities.
• Policy 5.2 - Encourage Public Participation in Planning
Supports inclusive outreach and clear communication on planning initiatives.
Summary of alignment: The Noise Compatibility Program aligns with the Viva Laredo Comprehensive Plan by advancing goals related to livable neighborhoods, compatible land use, sustainable infrastructure, economic competitiveness, and coordinated governance. Through targeted zoning updates, building standards, noise mitigation, and data-driven planning, the NCP ensures that airport operations and surrounding development remain balanced, resilient, and consistent with the City’s long-term vision.
PREVIOUS COUNCIL ACTION
2022-O-193 - November 7, 2022, adopted Noise Exposure Maps
BACKGROUND
The Noise Compatibility Program (NCP) is a planning document prepared pursuant to 14 CFR Part 150, which establishes a standardized process for assessing aircraft noise exposure and identifying measures to promote compatible land use in areas surrounding airports.
Laredo International Airport completed a comprehensive update to its Noise Compatibility Program to reflect current operational conditions, updated aviation activity forecasts, revised noise modeling, and public involvement. Following completion of the required study and public outreach process, the revised Noise Compatibility Program was formally submitted to the Federal Aviation Administration for review.
The Federal Aviation Administration has completed its review and issued formal approval of the revised Noise Compatibility Program.
In the 2025 NCP Update, LRD recommends 8 measures for FAA approval under 14 CFR Part150. Four (4) Land Measures and four (4) Administrative measures, which are listed below and are more thoroughly described in the attached Exhibit A.
Land Measures
1. Modify Overlay Zone (Section 4.2.1, pages 4-1 through 4-2, Section 6.2., Table 6.1, page 6-6, and Appendix C (City of Laredo Land Development
Code-Appendix N)
Description: This measure is an effective tool for creating one or more specialized zoning districts that are intended to supplement the underlying jurisdictional zoning regulations. This measure intends to expand Ordinance No. 94-0-012, adopted by Laredo City Council on January 3, 1994, by extending Subdistrict C out an additional one-half mile of the 65 Day-Night Average Sound Level (Ldn or DNL) noise exposure area.
2. Update Building Codes (Section 4.2.2, pages 4-3 through 4-4, Section
6.2.2, Table 6.1, page 6-6, and Appendix N)
Description: measure would ensure new construction or alterations of existing
structures within a specific overlay zone meet structural requirements to reduce interior noise levels to 45 decibels (dB) or less. This measure recommends maintaining the implementation of the City of Laredo’s Land Development Code, Appendix N (Appendix C), via Ordinance No. 94-0-012, adopted on January 3, 1994.
3. Sound Insulation and Eligibility (Section 4.3.2, pages 4-7 through 4-8, Section 6.2.3, and Table 6-1, page 6-6)
Description: The purpose of this measure is to reduce interior noise levels in a home to DNL 45 dB or less. Sound insulation is accomplished by applying acoustical treatments designed to reduce aircraft noise. The treatments typically include but are not limited to, upgrading windows, doors, attic insulation, and ventilation systems. As established by FAA, the sound insulation must provide a reduction of at least five dB and bring the average interior noise level below DNL 45 dB. Additionally, an easement may be conveyed by the property owner in exchange for the sound insulation improvements provided.
4. Modify Noise Mitigation Program Area (Section 4.4, page 4-8, Section 6.2.4, page 6-4, Table 6-1, page 6-6, and Figure 4-3)
Description: This measure would modify the 2014 Noise Mitigation Program Area based on the future 2026 NEM and offer sound insulation to eligible properties within the updated area. The Noise Mitigation Program Area boundary is generally defined by the DNL 65 dB contour of an FAA-approved NEM. The last NCP amendment was prepared in 2014. The areas eligible for mitigation were modified based on the size and shape of the 2019 65 DNL dB contours prepared in that 2014 amended NCP. Updated NEMs for the years 2019 and 2026 were prepared during the first phase of this 14 CFR Part 150 study. The NEMs were accepted by the FAA on August 25, 2022. With these updated NEMs, a review was made to determine if a modification to the Noise Mitigation Program Area boundary was needed.
Figure 4-3 shows the 2026 NEM 65-75 DNL contours superimposed on the 2014 NCP
Mitigation Program Area boundary. As shown on the figure, the 2026 DNL 65 dB contour extends beyond the 2014 boundary near East Reynolds Street. Based on the 2026 DNL contours, modifications to the boundary are recommended.
Administrative Measures:
1. Noise Management Process (Section 5.2.1 page 5-1, Section 6.2.5, page 6-4, and Table 6-1, page 6-6)
Description: This measure would maintain and log noise complaints, maintain a
comprehensive noise property management system, and update the Noise Land Inventory and Reuse Plan. Logging of noise complaints does not directly improve land use compatibility; rather, it provides the airport with additional resources to monitor potential or emerging noise issues, to determine the effectiveness of potential future noise abatement measures, and to respond to public inquiries about noise and airport operations. The noise property management system allows the airport to document the management of its noise land acquisition, disposal, and retention plan.
2. Aircraft Operations and Flight Tracking System (Section 5.2.2, page 5-2, section 6.2.6, and Tables 6-1, page 6-6)
Description: This measure recommends the purchase and installation of an aircraft
operations and flight tracking system. This measure would provide detailed flight data in the future when updating DNL contours. It provides accurate data regarding aircraft operations, flight tracks, and flight profiles to aid in the calculation of aircraft noise contours. This measure does not directly improve land use compatibility; rather, the data collected would be valuable for responding to public inquiries, as well as providing detailed flight data when updating noise contours.
3. Update Noise Exposure Maps (Section 5.2.3, page 5-3 through 5-4, Section 6.2.7, and Table 6-1, page 6-6)
Description: This measure would update the NEMs as needed. The FAA requires that an airport operator maintain NEMs that reflect current or reasonably projected conditions in order to obtain FAA funding for noise programs per 14 CFR Part 150, Sec.150.21(d). This measure does not directly improve land use compatibility; rather, it provides for periodic review and update of the NEMs.
4. Update Noise Compatibility Program (Section 5.2.4, page 5-4, Section 6.2.8, and Table 6-1, page 6-6)
Description: Updating the Noise Compatibility Program following revisions to the Noise
Exposure Maps allows for noise impacts, noise abatement, and noise mitigation measures to be reassessed based on current data. The City of Laredo anticipates updating the NCP only when additional measures and/or modified measures are available to reduce noncompatible land use.
The approval of these updates will update the Noise Compatibility Program, strengthen building codes, and reduce the ability to construct buildings incompatible to the land use within the Noise Exposure Map (NEM) contours.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
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STAFF RECOMMENDATION
recommendation
Staff recommends the approval of this public hearing and introductory ordinance.
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Fiscal Impact
Fiscal Year: 2026
Budgeted Y/N?: N.
Source of Funds: N/A
Account #: N/A
Change Order: Exceeds 25% Y/N: N/A
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
No financial impact.