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The Quieter Home Program (Program) is the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority’s (Airport Authority’s) Residential Sound Insulation Program. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has determined that residences within the 65+ decibel level contour map around San Diego International Airport (SDIA) may be eligible for sound insulation treatments to mitigate aircraft noise. The FAA has set a goal of reducing interior noise levels for eligible residents by at least five decibels inside the home, providing a noticeable reduction in noise. The Airport Authority’s Quieter Home Program is the means to obtain that goal.

Am I Eligible?

Non-compatible residential land uses within the 65+ decibel (dB) contour of the SDIA may be eligible for the Program.
Within these areas, priority is given to those in the loudest noise impacted areas and those with the longest length of ownership. Find out if your home is within the current Program Boundary by viewing our maps.

Please note: your home will be subject to the FAA’s two-tier eligibility requirements, which include:

  1. Property located within 65 decibel (dB) Community Noise Equivalent Level (CNEL) contour, referenced above and
  2. Have habitable areas inside the home with averaged noise levels of 45 dB or greater with all windows
    closed.

Our History

In 1998, the Unified Port of San Diego, then operator of the San Diego International Airport (SDIA), launched a pilot sound insulation program to determine the feasibility of sound insulating homes in the communities surrounding SAN. The results showed that such a program would be feasible. By 2001, the Program was fully operational, with insulation starting within the highest noise impacted areas. Since 2003, the Program has functioned under the Airport Authority, who acquired control of SDIA the same year. Since then, the Program’s pace has increased and the Program’s geographical area has expanded to include the communities of Loma Portal/Ocean Beach, Bankers Hill/Middletown, and Golden Hill/South Park. Today, the Program is one of the largest remaining airport residential sound insulation programs in the country. To date, the Program has completed 4,500 dwelling units.

Our Goals and Requirements

The goal of the Quieter Home Program is to reduce the interior noise level within treated homes by at least five (5) decibels (dB); however, results may vary depending upon the existing construction of the home. In order to achieve this goal, the Program may retrofit exterior doors and windows, install a ventilation system, and may conduct other miscellaneous treatments; however, the actual treatments in your home may vary. In order to determine if the Program is reaching this goal, a sample of 10% of homes participating within each of the Program’s groups are acoustically tested before and after construction.

The Program must also take into account the historical nature of each property it treats, which requires that the Program conduct an historical evaluation on all homes that apply for the Program. Following this evaluation, your home will be designated as either ‘Historic’ or ‘Non-Historic’ in the context of the Program. This historical designation determines how the Program can treat your home and which products can and cannot be used.

Application

Homeowners interested in the Quieter Home Program must submit a Participant Application. Once your application has been returned to the Program, your home will be placed on the General Waiting List.

Participant Application »

Waiting List
After your application has been returned to the Program, your home will be placed on the General Waiting List. Priority is given to those in the loudest noise impacted areas and with the longest length of ownership. Should a property change ownership while it's on the waiting list, the new owner would inherit the previous owners waiting list position. It is not uncommon for homes to be on the Program's waiting list for many years.

Homeowner Informational Meeting: Step 1 of 8 – Liberty Station Office

Once selected for a construction group, you will be invited to attend a Homeowner Informational Meeting. During this two hour meeting, the Program's policies and general scope of work will be explained. You will have the opportunity to view sample products in the Program showroom and sign and notarize the Program required documents:

Sample Grant of Avigation Easement
Sample Homeowner Participation Agreement

Note: All individuals listed on the deed for the home are required to attend this meeting.

Assessment: Step 2 of 8 – Your Home

Shortly after the Homeowner Informational Meeting, an architectural/engineering assessment will be conducted at your home. During this assessment, our Design Team will make a preliminary assessment of your home in its current condition to determine which treatments are necessary to make your home quieter. The Design Team is large, approximately 6-8 individuals, and is comprised of specialists in architecture, electrical and mechanical engineering. In addition, a representative will be there on behalf of the Airport Authority to answer any questions you may have. During this appointment, access to all rooms, attics, basement crawlspaces, closets, and electrical panels will be required.

Acoustic Testing: Step 3 of 8 – Your Home

Testing is a vital part of the Quieter Home Program process as it will confirm the home's eligibility and is the only way to evaluate the effectiveness of the retrofit products installed by the Program. The Program's acoustical engineers will conduct a series of tests with an exterior loud speaker in each habitable room. The acoustical engineers will proceed room by room and turn the loudspeaker on and off to collect noise measurements. Additionally, all participating homes may be subject to acoustical testing once construction is complete in order to evaluate the effectiveness of the retrofit products. Please note acoustical testing consists of the periodic use of a loud speaker and can be disruptive to you and your neighbors.

If your home has an average interior noise levels of 45 dB or greater, your home may proceed to step 4. If your home does not meet this requirement, it may be eligible for limited treatments.

Design Review: Step 4 of 8 – Liberty Station Office

During this appointment, the Design Team will review and discuss the proposed treatments to your home. A copy of the design package
will be provided in advance for you to review prior to the appointment. This will be your last opportunity to accept the proposed treatments or withdraw from the Program without financial implications.

Plan Check / Bidding / Authority Board Award

After your design review appointment, the Program will begin the plan check and bidding process. All plans will be submitted to the City of San Diego's Development Services Department for the plan check process. If your home is designated historic, the City of San Diego Historic Resources Board will also conduct a review. Following the plan check process, the Airport Authority will publicly bid the contract for which your home has been included. In keeping with public works contracting requirements, the lowest responsive and responsible bidder will be awarded the contract upon approval from the Airport Authority Board.

Measurement Walk: Step 5 of 8 – Your Home

During this appointment, the Contractor will take precise measurements for each window and door, as well as review the electrical and mechanical scope of work with the Design Team. If applicable, you will make final determinations of the window and door colors. If pre-work was previously identified, it must be completed by this appointment. Should your pre-work not be completed, the Program may have to remove your home from the construction group, which will cause a delay in construction.

Pre Construction Walkthrough: Step 6 of 8 – Your Home

A Pre-Construction Walkthrough appointment will be scheduled for a date approximately two weeks in advance of your construction start date. During this appointment, our Team will systematically go through your home to direct requirements necessary for you to prepare the home for construction. After this appointment and prior to construction, there will normally be work for you to do, such as: movement and storage of furniture, covering and protecting belongings, and general cleaning in order to provide sufficient access around the home.

Construction: Step 7 of 8 – Your Home

The construction duration on your home will depend upon the size of your home and complexity of the scope of work. An average duration for the entire construction period is approximately 15 to 30 business days. During this timeframe, access must be provided between 8:00 A.M. and 5:00 P.M., Monday – Friday, except Airport Authority holidays. Throughout the construction period, multiple construction trades - carpenters, painters, electricians, AC installers, and other specialized trades - will be in your home at various times to complete the sound insulation improvements. Any windows and doors that are removed will be replaced and be operational and lockable within the same day. During the work, Program staff will make periodic inspections to ensure the Contractor is meeting the requirements of the plans and specifications. They will also meet with the Contractor at the end of the work to conduct a “punchlist inspection” walkthrough to determine final items that need to be corrected. The Program understands the importance of your time and will make every effort to minimize any inconvenience to you. However, construction in a home (while it is occupied) has some inherent inconveniences. Experience has shown that the end result of a quieter home will more than compensate for these temporary disruptions.

Post Construction Walkthrough: Step 8 of 8 – Your Home

This final appointment, to be conducted upon completion of your home, is to identify how to operate all installed products and address any questions/concerns that you may have. Prior to this appointment, the Homeowner shall complete a Post-Insulation Survey. If the Survey is not completed prior to this appointment, Program staff will take a hand written survey at the appointment. Following the appointment and completion of the Survey, your Warranty Package, containing the Contractor's and product manufacturer warranty information, will be delivered.

Feedback
In order to improve our Program for future participants, the Program asks all homeowners to complete a survey about their experience with the Program after completion of their home. The feedback is critical as the Program reviews all survey responses and tries to improve the experience for future participants.

Take the Homeowner Post-Construction Survey

Participant Application

Versions

2 1/2/2019 Participant Application 0 B
1 3/3/2016 Participant Application 0 B

Maps

Three Program Boundaries have been established for the distinct geographical areas surrounding SAN most impacted by aircraft noise. Homes within the Program Boundary may be eligible to apply for the Program. To see if your home is within the Program Boundary, click on the maps below.

 

Statistics

General


Does the Program cost me anything?
There is no financial cost to the homeowner for Program treatments. However, each homeowner is required to grant an Avigation Easement to the Airport Authority. This easement limits the homeowner's ability to initiate legal action against the Airport Authority for aircraft noise-related issues. Additionally, the homeowner would be required to pay the costs for correcting any pre-work items. Also, if the homeowner hires an outside party to remove or re-install window dressings, move furniture, disconnect and reconnect security alarm systems, etc., the homeowner is responsible for those costs.
I recently installed new windows and doors, and it looks like my home is eligible for the Program. Can I get reimbursed?
Similar work completed by homeowners before their home is treated by the Program is not eligible for reimbursement.
Will my property be reassessed from the new construction?

No, the County Assessor's Office will not increase the value of homes that are part of the Airport Authority’s Residential Sound Insulation Program. During construction, however, you will need to complete and return a form mailed to you from the County Assessor's Office. A sample of how to complete the form can be found here.

How much quieter will my home be after my construction is completed?
The Program’s goal is to reduce the interior noise level in participating homes by at least five dB, which is quite a noticeable difference.
What if I'm new to the Quieter Home area, or decide to rent out my house?
Program priority will be given to homes within the greatest noise impacted areas and to residents who have owned the homes in these areas the longest. The Program does not favor owner occupied vs. non-owner occupied properties.
How long does the Program take?
The entire process can take multiple years, depending upon how long your home is on the waiting list. Once in a construction group it takes approximately 2-3 years for all of the steps, including construction, to be completed.
Do I have to attend all the meetings?
It is mandatory that the homeowner attend all the meetings. If the owner is unable to attend a meeting, a designated power of attorney must attend on their behalf. If neither is able to attend, the home may be removed from the construction group and be placed back on the waiting list.

Eligibility


How do I know if my home is eligible?
Homes within the Program Boundary with an average interior noise of 45 decibels or higher may be eligible for the Program.  To see if your home is within the Program Boundary, click here to view the maps.
Are multi-family and condo buildings eligible?
Yes, multi-family and condo buildings are eligible, regardless of the number of units in the building and/or complex. Please note: if you own a property within a condominium building, participation may be required from all owners in the building/complex.
I rent my property, is it still eligible?
Yes, all tenant occupied properties are treated in the same manner as owner occupied properties.
If I sell my home after I apply, does the new owner go to the bottom of the waiting list?
No, the new owner would inherit your waiting list position, should they choose to participate in the Program. The new owner would need to complete a Participant Application.
My home is not within the Program Boundary, will it be eligible for the Quieter Home Program in the future?
Please give us a call at 619-400-2660 or email quieterhome@san.org; we will review your property in our database and be happy to talk with you.
I initially declined to participate in the Program, but I now want to participate. Am I still eligible?
Your home would remain eligible on the basis that it is still within the Program Boundary. You would need to complete another Participant Application and, once completed, your home would go back on the Program’s waiting list.

Products


Do I get my choice of product styles and colors?
Whenever possible, windows and doors are replaced with the same style that is installed in your home at the time of the Assessment appointment. On occasion, a style may need to be changed to comply with building code requirements and product availability. You will make your color selections with the Contractor at the Measurement Walk appointment. All colors must be finalized at this time so the contractor can order your products.
Who are the Vendors?
We have a variety of approved Vendors for our Program. For details please visit the Vendor Page.
Can I purchase my own hardware for the contractor to install?
No, all products installed will come with manufacturer-direct high quality hardware. Due to the uniqueness of the acoustical products installed, privately purchased hardware may not fit and the replacement of hardware may void the manufacturer warranty.
If I don't like what's offered, can I upgrade and pay the difference?
No, the Program has specific guidelines that do not allow this practice.

Construction


How long does construction take on a home?
That depends on the size and complexity of the home. Generally speaking, construction takes about 15-30 business days.
Do I have to be present for the entire construction duration or can a friend or family member be present for me during construction?
It is preferable that the homeowner or an acting legal agent be present during construction. If neither can be present, construction can still continue, but please keep in mind that you or your designee must be able to be reached right away if a product or installation issue arises.
How do I know all my Quieter Home construction is up to code?
During construction, the Program’s Construction Inspector will visit your home to verify all work is in accordance with the plans and specifications. After construction is complete, a Building Inspector with City of San Diego’s Development Service Department will visit your property to verify the work completed complies with all applicable building codes. They will then sign off on the open building permit for your home. If the City’s Inspector discovers code violations or installation issues with any part or portion of your scope of work, they will notify the Contractor, who will be required to resolve the issue in order for the permit to be closed.
How do I know my property will be safe during construction?
Any windows and doors that are removed will be replaced, operational and lockable within the same day. Should asbestos or lead paint be found in your home, the Contractor will be required to take the proper precautions and follow applicable local, state, and federal procedures. The contractors are fully insured to cover property damage, should it occur due to construction. However, the homeowner is responsible for securing valuables during construction.
How I do prepare for construction?
During all appointments that take place at your home, a member of the Program and/or Contractor will identify furniture, window dressings, breakables, and any additional items that will need to be moved prior to construction. You will be required to move these items to allow for sufficient access to all areas being treated. Approximately one week prior to your construction start date, we will contact you to schedule a Pre-Construction Walkthrough appointment to discuss how you will be required to prepare your home for construction.
Will construction occur on holidays?

Construction will occur between 8:00 A.M. and 5:00 P.M., Monday – Friday, except Airport Authority holidays, including:

  • New Year's Day
  • Martin Luther King Jr. Day
  • Presidents' Day
  • Cesar Chavez Day
  • Memorial Day
  • Juneteenth
  • Independence Day
  • Labor Day
  • Veteran's Day
  • Thanksgiving Day
  • The day after Thanksgiving
  • Christmas Eve
  • Christmas Day
  • New Year's Eve

Warranty


Does the Quieter Home Program provide maintenance on the products installed?
No, while the Program does not provide maintenance on the products installed, each product installed will be covered by a manufacturer warranty. The warranty period will vary with each manufacturer. Following the completion of your home, you will be provided a warranty package containing all warranty information for all products installed in your home.
Is there a workmanship warranty?
Yes, our Contractors are required to provide a one-year material and labor warranty from the date of final completion. Homeowners will be responsible for contacting the Contractor directly for warranty calls. Included in your warranty package will be the Contractor’s warranty and contact information. Following the one-year warranty period, all warranty calls must be directed to the product manufacturer.

 

Windows

Vinyl

Prime Window Systems
800-375-5570
www.primewindowsys.com

AMSCO
562-204-6949
www.amscowindows.com

 
Wood
T.M. Cobb*
951-248-2440
www.tmcobb.com
Steel
St. Cloud Windows
800-383-9311
www.stcloudwindow.com
Vancouver Door Co.
888-801-9255
www.wausauwindow.com
Custom Window, Model 8300
877-678-2983
www.wausauwindow.com

* Denotes Historical Product

 

Doors

Vinyl Sliding
Prime Window Systems
800-375-5570
www.primewindowsys.com

AMSCO
562-204-6949
www.amscowindows.com

 
Wood Swinging
Karona Door by Jeld-Wen
800-829-9233
www.karonadoor.com
T.M. Cobb*
951-248-2440
www.tmcobb.com
Vancouver Door Co.
888-801-9255
www.vancouverdoorco.com
Steel Swinging
Republic Doors and Frames
800-733-3667
www.republicdoor.com
Secondary
Mon-Ray, Inc.
800-544-3646
www.monray.com

 

Mechanical

Condensers
York
877-874-7378
www.york.com
Trane
704-655-4000
www.trane.com