| Frequently Asked Questions What is the QuieterHome® Program? The QuieterHome® Program (Program) is the name given to the Residential Sound Attenuation Program (RSAP), which is available to all residential units within the 65 dB CNEL contour “based on the contours published for the Long Beach Airport for the previous calendar year.” Return to top How is the Program funded? The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Airport will fund the Program. The Airport will utilize a combination of Passenger Facility Charges (PFC) and Airport revenue to fund the Program. FAA funding is derived solely from user fees assessed on aviation, such as airline tickets and aircraft fuel sales. City of Long Beach general fund tax dollars will not be used. Return to top What is a Part 150 Study? Part 150 is a federal program, which appropriates aviation-generated funds to be used for aircraft noise mitigation measures in communities surrounding an airport, including sound insulation. Return to top What is the Avigation Easement? The Avigation Easement is a legal document signed by a homeowner that acknowledges the existence of Long Beach Airport, its aircraft operations and the right of aircraft to fly over the home in return for insulation program improvements. The document also is signed by the Airport and recorded on the property deed after improvements are completed. Return to top What is a Participant Authorization Agreement? A Participant Authorization Agreement is a document a homeowner must sign to communicate their intent to participate in the Program. This Agreement allows the Airport and their consultants to enter the home in order to perform the required design, acoustical testing and construction. Return to top Are there any costs to me for the Program? There is no cost to the homeowner for the Program treatments. If the homeowner decides to hire someone to help with such things as removing/reinstalling window dressings (such as curtains, blinds or shutters), or to move furniture while work is being done, they are responsible for that cost. Return to top Are permits required in order to work on my home? Yes. The work on your home must follow California Building Code standards, as well as state and local requirements. The contractors will be responsible for getting the permits, arranging for and scheduling final inspection on your home. Return to top Who decides what work will be done in my home? The Program consulting team will determine which treatments are needed for your home. Each home is evaluated on an individual basis and reviewed by Airport staff to ensure they are consistent with FAA guidelines. Return to top How can I find out if my home will be eligible for the Program in the future? The Program contours will be updated every year, and treatment areas will be adjusted as appropriate under State and federal guidelines. Future phases of the Program will address “end of block” and “contour rounding” protocols. Return to top I recently received information stating that I am eligible for the Program. Am I required to participate? No. The Program is completely voluntary. Return to top Is there someplace I can visit to see what the treatments will look/sound like? Yes. The Long Beach Airport, as part of the Program, has established an office/showroom for homeowners who are interested, to view product samples. The office is located at 3837 Atlantic Avenue, Long Beach, CA 90807 and is by appointment. Please conatct Sharon Diggs-Jackson at 562 570-2636 to schedule an appointment. Return to top How long will construction take? The project length depends on things such as the size of the home, and the number of windows and doors. Product ordering and receipt takes approximately two months, with actual construction taking between 15 – 20 working days (Monday through Friday). Return to top Do I need to be present during construction? No, but you must have someone over the age of 18 at your home at all times during construction if you are not available. That person must be able to either make decisions for you, or contact you should a product or installation issue arise. The homeowner is required to be present during meetings with the design consultant, contractor, Airport and City staff, or any time an owner signature is needed. Return to top How do I know my property will be safe during construction? All contractors are fully insured to cover property damage. The City project coordinator will document the condition of your home before and after construction. Return to top Do my new windows and doors come with a warranty? Every product installed in your home as part of the Program comes with a one-year labor and product warranty, but many products come with a multi-year, product-only warranty against manufacturer defects. Return to top I recently installed new windows and doors. Will I be reimbursed for these improvements? No. According to the Federal Aviation Regulations, similar work completed by homeowners before their home is treated by the Program is not eligible for reimbursement. Return to top How do I know if the improvements are up to code? During construction, the Program construction inspector will visit to ensure everything is going well. When construction is complete, a Long Beach City inspector, accompanied by a Program construction inspector, will visit your home. If the City inspector discovers code or installation issues, they will notify the Airport and the contractor for resolution. Return to top Do I get my choice of product styles and colors? Whenever possible, windows are replaced with the same style as existing windows in the home. On occasion, a style may need to be changed to comply with the current building code requirements. The design team will provide door style selection sheets at your first design visit. You will need to make your selections at the second visit with the design consultant. Color selections will be made and finalized with the contractor at the measurement walk-through visit. Return to top Can I purchase my own hardware for the contractor to install? Any proposed hardware purchased by a homeowner must be discussed and finalized with the Program contractor at the measurement walk-through to ensure it can be installed with your acoustical products. There is no reimbursement for privately purchased hardware. Return to top What is Program hardware? Mechanisms used to open, close or secure your windows and doors. Return to top How much quieter will my home be after construction is completed? The FAA has set a goal of reducing interior noise levels for Long Beach residents by at least 5 dB, which should provide a noticeable reduction in noise level. Return to top If I don’t like what’s offered, can I upgrade and pay the difference? No. The Program provides a standard selection of products that meet or exceed the acoustical intent of the Program. Return to top My home is NOT eligible for the Program. What improvements can I make at my own expense? We have provided a link to some useful information in our “Tips for Sound-Insulating Your Home” brochure. You’ll learn more about how noise enters a home, and find a list of suppliers for sound-insulating products. Return to top Is there someone I can contact for product information if my property is not eligible for the Program? You may call the QuieterHome Program project coordinator at (888) 739-4090, or email the C&S staff at longbeachqhp@cscos.com. Return to top |