Top Neighborhoods Impacted by Airplane Noise Near San Francisco International Airport (SFO) in 2024

Airplane noise is a significant concern for many neighborhoods around San Francisco International Airport (SFO). With the airport handling over 57 million passengers annually, the continuous takeoffs and landings inevitably lead to elevated noise levels in nearby communities. For residents living near the airport, this can affect daily life, property values, and overall quality of living. In this blog post, we’ll dive into the most affected areas, the causes of increased noise, and steps being taken to mitigate the issue.

1. Neighborhoods Most Affected by Airplane Noise

Certain neighborhoods in San Mateo County bear the brunt of airplane noise due to their proximity to SFO's flight paths. Among the most impacted are:

• Brisbane: Situated directly north of SFO, this neighborhood is highly exposed to noise from departing aircraft. Its location beneath the primary flight paths makes it one of the hardest-hit areas.

• South San Francisco: This city is in close proximity to the airport and experiences frequent noise from both arriving and departing planes. The noise levels are consistently high due to its location near major flight corridors.

• Pacifica: Although slightly further west, parts of Pacifica are impacted, especially those located on elevated terrains. The frequent flights over the coastline make this area a hotspot for aircraft noise.

• Millbrae: Located just west of the airport, Millbrae residents face continuous noise exposure, particularly those living near the hillsides, where noise tends to carry further.

2. Why Are These Areas Most Affected?

The increased noise levels in these neighborhoods can be attributed to the NextGen air traffic control system, which was implemented by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in 2015. While this system optimized air traffic efficiency by condensing flight paths into narrower corridors, it resulted in a concentration of flights over specific neighborhoods. This change reduced the dispersion of noise, making the problem worse for those under the new flight paths​

Additionally, SFO's high volume of international and domestic flights, with about 1,200 operations per day, ensures that noise is a constant concern for residents living nearby​

3. Mitigation Efforts and Sound Insulation Programs

To address these concerns, SFO and local governments have introduced several mitigation strategies:

• Noise Abatement Procedures: SFO has implemented nighttime preferential runway use, where flights are directed over the San Francisco Bay whenever possible during nighttime hours (10 PM to 7 AM) to minimize noise over populated areas. However, this program is voluntary, and factors such as wind and weather often determine whether it can be applied​

• Residential Sound Insulation Program: Since 1983, SFO has provided sound insulation to over 15,200 homes, churches, and schools. The program offers eligible properties upgrades such as soundproof windows and doors to help minimize the impact of airplane noise​

4. What the Data Says

SFO's Airport Noise and Operations Monitoring System (ANOMS) tracks noise levels at 29 permanent monitoring sites. According to the 2024 quarterly report, neighborhoods within the 65-decibel (dBA) contour, such as Brisbane, South San Francisco, and parts of Millbrae, regularly experience noise levels above the acceptable limit for residential areas. In fact, daily CNEL (Community Noise Equivalent Level) readings from these areas often exceed 65 dBA, which can lead to long-term hearing and health issues for residents​

5. Future Prospects

The FAA and SFO continue to evaluate solutions to reduce noise levels in affected areas. Potential adjustments include altering flight paths and expanding sound insulation programs to cover more homes. However, significant changes are slow to implement due to the complexity of air traffic management and the need to prioritize flight safety.

In conclusion, airplane noise remains a persistent issue for neighborhoods surrounding SFO, particularly in Brisbane, South San Francisco, and Millbrae. While mitigation efforts are ongoing, the impact on residents continues to be a major concern. If you're considering moving into these areas, it's essential to understand the potential for noise and the options available for insulation and noise abatement.