Requirements for the AN: Airport Noise Overlay District in Orlando, Florida
The AN: Airport Noise Overlay District in the City of Orlando regulates land use and construction standards to protect public health and safety near the Orlando International Airport (OIA) and Orlando Executive Airport (OEA). Within this district, new residential and noise-sensitive developments are subject to strict Sound Level Reduction (SLR) requirements ranging from 25 to 35 decibels and must frequently provide legal protections such as avigation easements or waivers of claims.
Purpose and Scope of the AN District
The City of Orlando established the AN: Airport Noise Overlay District to implement Growth Management Plan (GMP) policies that prohibit incompatible land uses in areas surrounding major airports. The district is intended to reduce noise and safety hazards associated with aircraft operations, preserve the operational stability of the City of Orlando's airports, and ensure a suitable living environment for residents [Section 58.370, 58.371].
The requirements of the AN: Airport Noise Overlay District supplement the regulations of the underlying zoning districts. In the event of a conflict between the overlay and other City of Orlando codes, the provisions of the AN: Airport Noise Overlay District govern [Section 58.371].
Noise Control Zones
The City of Orlando has established five distinct Aircraft Noise/Land Use Control Zones based on day-night sound levels (DNL) and single-event maximum sound level measures (dBA) [Section 58.372]:
- Zone A: 75 and greater DNL contour.
- Zone B: 70 to 75 DNL contour.
- Zone C: 65 to 70 DNL contour.
- Zone D: The composite limits of the 60 DNL contour and the 80 dBA Aircraft Noise Metric contour to the 65 DNL contour.
- Zone E: The composite of the limits of the 55 DNL and the 75 dBA Aircraft Noise Metric contour to the composite limits of the 60 DNL contour and the 80 dBA Aircraft Noise Metric contour.
Residential Sound Level Requirements
Residential uses, including single-family, multi-family, mobile homes, and hotel/motel/timeshare units, must comply with specific controls within the AN: Airport Noise Overlay District [Section 58.381].
Table 1: Residential Control Requirements
| Control Zone | Avigation Easement | Waiver of Claim | Notification | SLR 25 db | SLR 30 db | SLR 35 db |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zone E | X | |||||
| Zone D | X | X | X | |||
| Zone C | X | X | X | X (1) | X (2) | |
| Zone B | X | X | X | X | ||
| Zone A | X | X | X | X |
(1) Required for Multi-family residential uses in Zone C. (2) Required for Single-family residential uses in Zone C. Note: Single-family, multi-family, and mobile home uses are generally prohibited in Zones A and B except where prior agreements exist [Section 58.381].
Non-Residential (Sensitive Use) Requirements
The City of Orlando also regulates "sensitive" non-residential land uses, such as hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, childcare facilities, and schools, within the AN: Airport Noise Overlay District [Section 58.381].
Table 2: Sensitive Non-Residential Control Requirements
| Control Zone | Avigation Easement | Waiver of Claim | Notification | SLR 25 db | SLR 30 db | SLR 35 db |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zone E | X | |||||
| Zone D | X | X | ||||
| Zone C | X | X | X | |||
| Zone B | X | X | X | X | ||
| Zone A | X | X | X | X |
Note: Schools, childcare, and medical facilities are generally prohibited in Zones A and B [Section 58.381].
Design and Disclosure Standards
Sound Level Reduction (SLR) Design
Building permits for new structures in the AN: Airport Noise Overlay District will not be issued unless the plans and specifications indicate that the building materials and execution of construction details will achieve the required SLR (25, 30, or 35 db). The City of Orlando may require a field test by a Qualified Acoustical Consultant or a certification of design criteria to verify compliance [Section 58.382].
Public Notification
The City of Orlando requires specific disclosures for all future purchasers and occupants of residential property within noise zones C, D, and E. Residential plats must include a note in minimum 12-point type stating: "The properties delineated on this plat are subject to aircraft noise that may be objectionable" [Section 58.383].
Avigation Easements and Waivers
Applicants seeking development approval for lot-splits or subdivisions in Zones A, B, C, and D must execute and deliver an avigation easement and/or a waiver of claim to the City of Orlando and the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority. These legal instruments allow for the continued use of the airspace for aircraft operations and waive the right to seek damages related to aircraft noise [Section 58.384].
Sections Cited
- Section 58.370 Relationship to the Growth Management Plan.
- Section 58.371 Purpose of the District.
- Section 58.372 Establishment of Aircraft Noise/Land Use Control Zones.
- Section 58.380 Land Use Restrictions.
- Section 58.381 Sound Level Requirements for Structures and Buildings.
- Section 58.382 Sound Level Reduction (SLR) Design Requirements.
- Section 58.383 Public Notification of Potential Noise Impacts.
- Section 58.384 Avigation Easement and Waiver of Claims.