2012 Theses Master's

Planning on Noise: The Implementation of Noise Compatibility Zoning in the Northeast United States

McDowall, Devin J.

This study examines the reasons that airport noise compatibility land use regulations are infrequently implemented in the Northeast United States. Noise compatibility land use regulations are advocated by the Federal Aviation Administration as a solution to the negative externality of airport noise but are rarely enacted by local jurisdictions. To investigate the topic, a mixed-methods approach involving document review and interviews is used to assess the historical circumstances under which some municipalities have adopted this form of regulation while others have not. Five case studies of commercial hub airports in the Northeast serve as examples of implementation scenarios and highlight the challenges inherent in the coordination of airport and municipal development.