Aircraft Noise: Camarillo vs Ojai
How do aircraft noise rules compare between Camarillo, CA and Ojai, CA?
Ojai has fewer restrictions than Camarillo.
Camarillo, CA
Ventura County
Camarillo Airport (KCMA) operates under a voluntary noise abatement program with preferred flight paths that route traffic over agricultural and commercial areas rather than residential neighborhoods. The airport has voluntary curfew hours discouraging operations between 10 PM and 7 AM. Federal preemption limits the city's authority to regulate aircraft noise directly.
View full Camarillo rules βOjai, CA
Ventura County
Aircraft noise is federally preempted (FAA). No local noise ordinance applies to aircraft in flight. Camarillo Airport (CMA) is the nearest general aviation facility.
View full Ojai rules βKey Facts Comparison
| Fact | Camarillo | Ojai |
|---|---|---|
| Airport Code | KCMA (Camarillo Airport) | - |
| Voluntary Curfew | 10 PM - 7 AM (voluntary) | - |
| Preferred Runway | Runway 26 for departures | - |
| Noise Complaints | (805) 388-4200 (County Airports) | - |
| Authority | Ventura County Department of Airports | - |
| Preemption | - | Federal (FAA) |
| Nearest Airport | - | Camarillo Airport (CMA) |
| Local Ordinance | - | None β federally preempted |
| Complaints | - | Ventura County Airports Division |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Camarillo FAQ
Can Camarillo restrict aircraft noise from KCMA?
The city has limited authority due to federal preemption of aircraft noise regulation. Camarillo Airport operates under a voluntary noise abatement program managed by the Ventura County Department of Airports. The program encourages but cannot mandate pilot compliance.
Where do I file an aircraft noise complaint?
Contact the Ventura County Department of Airports at (805) 388-4200. They maintain a noise complaint tracking system and can investigate specific incidents. The city's general noise ordinance does not apply to aircraft in flight.
Does the airport have nighttime curfew?
KCMA has a voluntary curfew discouraging (but not prohibiting) operations between 10 PM and 7 AM. Pilots are requested to avoid touch-and-go operations during these hours. The airport cannot legally mandate a curfew without FAA approval.
Ojai FAQ
Why are there helicopters over the Ojai Valley?
Helicopters in the Ojai Valley are typically related to fire suppression operations (especially during fire season), medical transport, law enforcement, or agricultural spraying. Military aircraft from Naval Base Ventura County may occasionally transit the area.
How do I complain about aircraft noise in Ojai?
File complaints with the FAA at faa.gov/noise. For Santa Paula Airport noise, contact Ventura County Department of Airports at (805) 388-4200. The city has no authority over aircraft.
Can Ojai restrict flight paths over the valley?
No. Aircraft noise and flight paths are exclusively under FAA jurisdiction. Local governments have no authority to regulate them. Ojai's dark sky ordinance does not extend to aircraft.
Compare other topics
See how Camarillo and Ojai compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool