What zoning measure can be implemented to protect future residential developments from airport noise?

Creating land use zoning for developers is an effective measure to protect future residential developments from airport noise. This approach allows local governments to regulate how land is used in proximity to airports by designating specific areas for residential, commercial, industrial, or other types of development. By implementing zoning ordinances, municipalities can restrict the construction of noise-sensitive residential areas near airports, thus minimizing the impact of aircraft noise on new homes and ensuring that future developments are situated in more suitable locations.

This proactive measure can help mitigate potential conflicts between airport operations and residential neighborhoods, as the zoning would take into account noise contours and avoid placing homes in areas subject to unacceptable noise levels. Therefore, it effectively serves as a buffer to protect residents from the harmful effects of noise pollution associated with aviation activities.

Other strategies, such as increasing property taxes or encouraging commercial development nearby, do not directly address noise protection and may fail to offer the same level of preventive action against noise interference. Establishing curfews for airport operations, while potentially helpful in reducing noise during specific times, does not prevent residential developments from being built in noisy areas in the first place.