Residential

The committee oversees the O'Hare Residential Sound Insulation Program, one of the largest programs of its kind in the nation.

Committee Members

• Bensenville
• City of Chicago - Ward 41
• Des Plaines
• Melrose Park
• Norridge
• Park Ridge
• Rosemont
• Schiller Park
• Wood Dale

Q: What impact does the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Record of Decision (ROD) relating to the O'Hare Modernization Program (OMP) have on the Residential Sound Insulation Program?

As directed by the FAA's Record of Decision issued September 30, 2005 for the O'Hare Modernization Program (OMP), the O'Hare Residential Sound Insulation Program will continue its aggressive noise mitigation effort by the city of Chicago, in partnership with the FAA, to focus on sound insulation of homes within the OMP Full Build-Out Noise Contour. This contour reflects anticipated impact from aircraft operations once all OMP construction phases are complete.

Q: Will the city of Chicago or ONCC use noise contours prepared before the 2005 Full Build-Out Noise Contour to make current residential sound insulation eligibility decisions?

No. The FAA has determined that airport noise contours based on actual operational levels shall only be used for no more than five (5) years for sound insulation purposes.

Q: Are there differences in the RSIP program before and after the FAA Record of Decision in 2005?

Initially, the city of Chicago and ONCC prioritized eligibility to include single family, owner-occupied homes.

The FAA's Record of Decision requires that both single and multi-family dwellings which fall within OMP Full Build-Out 65 DNL noise contour must be included by completion of the O'Hare Modernization Program Full Build-Out.

Under the early voluntary residential program, the Chicago Department of Aviation provided updated noise exposure contour maps based on actual operational levels at O'Hare International Airport and selected eligible homes on a year-to-year basis.

The FAA's Full Build-Out noise contour is based on noise levels anticipated once the O'Hare Modernization Program (OMP) construction phases are complete. The use of a future noise contour for sound insulation purposes is the usual practice of the FAA that is reflected in the Environmental Impact Statement for projects such as the OMP.

Q: How long will it take to complete all the sound insulation work?

ONCC will continue to actively oversee the O'Hare Residential Sound Insulation Program and will work with the Chicago Department of Aviation to determine construction and phasing schedules. As required by the FAA Record of Decision, all sound insulation for homes within the 65 DNL area of the Full Build-Out noise contour must be completed by the completion of the O'Hare Modernization Program. Projected completion of all identified homes is 2020.

Q: Which communities will get homes sound insulated first?

ONCC and the city of Chicago will determine the priority and phasing plan by using the defined eligibility area of the OMP Full Build-Out noise contour.

Q: How is the O'Hare Noise Compatibility Commission involved with the O'Hare Residential Sound Insulation Program?

In 1996, the city of Chicago created the O'Hare Noise Compatibility Commission (ONCC) to oversee aircraft noise mitigation efforts around O'Hare International Airport. Then Mayor Daley suggested the formation of the ONCC as a policy-making group to direct funding for noise reduction projects. As of September 2013, 9,924 homes around O'Hare have been sound insulated, which is double the original commitment by the city of Chicago.

The FAA, in its OMP Record of Decision, reinforced the ONCC's role in determining the policies for the future O'Hare Residential Sound Insulation Program.

Q: How can I get my home sound insulated?

The RSIP is not a program for which you sign up or place yourself on a list. The FAA has determined that the 65 DNL reflected in the OMP Full Build-Out noise contour will be used for all programs. The Chicago Department of Aviation provides a Property Locator where residents enter a specific street address to determine sound insulation eligibility.

Q: What is done to a home to insulate against aircraft noise?

Currently, homeowners are given option packages to choose from in order to significantly reduce the aircraft noise level experienced in the home. Homeowners will be responsible for selecting among the three construction packages that may include: window modifications, prime door treatments and storm door treatments; or air conditioning modifications (with or without duct work).

Q: Who pays for the program?

Historically, the Chicago Department of Aviation provided 100 percent of funding for the Residential Sound Insulation Program through Passenger Facility Charges (PFCs) assessed by airlines for each passenger departing or arriving at O'Hare International Airport. The FAA has provided Airport Improvement Program funding for homes sound insulated since 2005. Funds are committed for completion of all homes identified as eligible for sound insulation.

A successful 10-home pilot program to reduce aircraft noise with sound insulation initiated by the city of Chicago in 1995 was the forerunner to the expansive O’Hare Residential Sound Insulation Program (RSIP) that will continue to the O’Hare Modernization Program Full Build-Out expected in December 2020. Through September 2013, over 10,000 residences have been sound insulated in the RSIP program. View map of homes insulated to date. 

In early years of the program, homes neighboring O’Hare International Airport were deemed eligible for sound insulation based on noise contours developed by independent consultants for the Chicago Department of Aviation. Sound insulation was funded by the city of Chicago.

In September 2005, the Federal Aviation Administration issued a final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) that identified a noise contour based on a 65 Day/Night Average Sound Level (DNL). The contour, known as the O’Hare Modernization Program Full Build-Out Noise Contour, is the basis for selecting homes eligible for sound insulation. Noise monitor data does not determine eligibility for residential sound insulation.

Is Your Home Eligible for Sound Insulation?
Locate your home in relation to the current O’Hare noise contour by entering your specific street address on the Chicago Department of Aviation’s interactive Property Locator. It’s quick and easy to check whether a home is eligible for sound insulation via the locator map that allows you to zoom in on individual properties.

If you have questions about your home’s eligibility, call the Chicago Department of Aviation, 773-894-3255.

Next Steps If Your Home is Eligible for Sound Insulation
1—Eligible homes are identified by the Chicago Department of Aviation to receive sound insulation on a yearly basis. The ONCC passes a formal resolution each year that lists the number of homes and communities that will receive sound insulation within a particular Phase.

2—If your home is eligible for sound insulation and falls within a Phase of construction, you will receive a letter from the Chicago Department of Aviation inviting you to an information briefing. You will be asked if you are interested in participating in the program as funds become available. Included with the letter will be a Homeowner’s Handbook that describes the Residential Sound Insulation Program in detail.

3—Actual sound insulation work is managed by Cotter Consulting, Inc. The company provides program and construction management services for the RSIP. The Cotter Program Office will schedule the first home inventory appointment and a second field measurement appointment for each home.

Local municipalities and elected officials, the Chicago Department of Aviation and the FAA do not have information specific to individual homeowner questions.

For accurate information about appointment scheduling or construction questions, please call Cotter Consulting, 773-894-3636.

HOMEOWNERS BEWARE: Program participants are never asked for money or credit card numbers and are never given anything to sign that includes a dollar amount. All appointments are scheduled by the Cotter Program Management Office.

All persons working for the RSIP program are required to wear a purple and white photo ID badge issued by the Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA). If you encounter anyone you suspect is not a CDA official or its representative, please contact the Cotter Program Office immediately at 773-894-3636.

If Your Home is Not Eligible for the Residential Sound Insulation Program
If your home does not qualify for the RSIP program, but you want to improve the sound insulation in your home, ONCC and the Chicago Department of Aviation offer a 36-page Sound Insulating Your Home Handbook. The how-to booklet explains in detail ways to effectively sound insulate your home.

RSIP Program Endorsement
In an ONCC survey of homeowners who participated in the Residential Sound Insulation Program, 94 percent of the respondents reported an improved or greatly improved quality of living inside their homes after the sound insulation work was completed. Ninety-eight percent of the respondents said they would recommend the RSIP to their eligible neighbors.