SMART Program Frequently Asked Questions
What is the SMART noise insulation project?Who is eligible?Who Pays?Can I get reimbursed for work that I have done?Does the Easement keep me from collecting for damages should an aircraft accident occur?When will work begin?Who does the work?Can I get extra work done?How does the program work?
What is the SMART noise insulation project?  
The SMART program goal is to improve the living environment of the residents affected by aircraft noise. The project will provide noise reducing treatments for doors, windows, vents, and attic insulation for homes within 65-75 CNEL noise areas near the Fresno Yosemite International Airport. CNEL is the Community Noise Equivalent Level. It is established by monitoring the noise level of airport operations.
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Who is eligible?  
Currently, homeowners living in airport noise areas rated between 65 the 75 CNEL contour lines may apply for the program. Per Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations, homes in the noisiest areas (highest CNEL) are treated first.
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Who Pays?  
The FAA and the City of Fresno (Fresno Yosemite International Airport) pay for the noise reduction improvements, there is no out of pocket expense to the homeowner. Property owners are required, however, to execute and grant an avigation easement to the City of Fresno. The easement is a permanent legal restriction that prohibits the owner from obstructing the flight of aircraft through airspace above the property, and allows the City of Fresno the right to continue normal flight operations.
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Can I get reimbursed for work that I have done?  
No, unfortunately, FAA rules do not allow payments to property owners.
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Does the Easement keep me from collecting for damages should an aircraft accident occur?  
No. In the unlikely event of an aircraft accident, the easement does not eliminate your recourse to collect.
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When will work begin?  
Homes will be assigned into design and then construction as funds become available from the FAA.
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Who does the work?  
The City of Fresno will solicit bids for the work from licensed and bonded general contractors. City staff and consultants will inspect work to make sure that it is completed according to the plans and specifications.
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Can I get extra work done?  
The grant program only pays for work which is directly related to an approved method of reducing the aircraft noise levels in the home. The costs for "Upgrades" of work cannot be paid from this program funding.
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How does the program work?  
Each project is required to be processed through a series of steps to insure that the work complies to the program requirements. The major steps are outlined below:

You call the numbers listed below to make an appointment (home owners that are not in the currently marketed area are put on a waiting list for applying).

* An employee of the City of Fresno - Airports visits you at your home to explain specifically how the program works and offer an application. You may be asked to allow the employee to video tape your doors and windows to help in the design process. Submission of an application puts you on the list for treatment.

*Home owners are contacted and asked to sign the avigation easement when a grant is awarded by FAA.

*An architect visits your home to survey the areas which will require work.

*The architect prepares drawings and specifications for the work to be done on your home. These are presented to you for your review and approval before going to bid.

*A bid package of specifications for homes in your same area are put out to bid. This involves:
*Advertising the bid (per FAA a minimum of 30 days)

*Opening and certifying the lowest responsible bid

*Requesting approval by the FAA

*Presenting the contract package to the City Council to request approval

*Upon City Council approval of the project the bid is awarded

*The actual scheduling of the work will be coordinated with the contractor

*Once the contract is awarded and your home is near its scheduled start date, the property owner, contractor, and City Staff member meet to make arrangements for the work to be done. When the work is completed and meets approved standards, the contractor is paid.


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