Airport Joins Push to Encourage Home Soundproofing

Burbank Airport officials this week joined Los Angeles and other cities in seeking state legislation to encourage residents living near airports to soundproof their homes.

Airport officials said property owners now are discouraged from soundproofing their homes because doing so could mean higher property assessments and taxes.

A resolution adopted by the Burbank-Glendale-Pasadena Airport Authority recommends enactment of legislation to exempt soundproofing of homes near airports from reassessment.

Airport Manager Thomas E. Greer said insulating homes could help reduce the effect of noise on residents and thus help airports comply with state-required noise levels.

The Los Angeles city Department of Airports is implementing a pilot program to insulate homes from noise, according to a memorandum by Councilman Robert Farrell sent to the Burbank Airport last week. The memorandum said, however, that residents are reluctant to participate because their property taxes would increase.

The legislation sought by airports also would require that developers soundproof all new homes built near airports.