Aircraft Noise: Chino vs Ontario
How do aircraft noise rules compare between Chino, CA and Ontario, CA?
Chino and Ontario have similar restriction levels.
Chino, CA
San Bernardino County
Federal law (49 U.S.C. §§40103, 41713 and FAA regulations) preempts the City of Chino from regulating aircraft-in-flight noise. Operations at Chino Airport (KCNO) — a San Bernardino County-owned general aviation reliever airport along Merrill Avenue at the southern edge of the city — are governed by the FAA and the airport sponsor, not Chino Municipal Code §9.40. What Chino does regulate is the land-use side: under the Chino Airport Comprehensive Land Use Plan (ACLUP) administered through San Bernardino County's 'Alternative Process' (no formal ALUC; local jurisdictions handle compatibility planning), the City must notice development applications within adopted airport noise and safety zones and assure compatibility with Chino Airport operations. The CMC §9.40.040 exterior noise standards (65 dBA daytime / 55 dBA nighttime in residential zones) expressly do not apply to aircraft operations.
View full Chino rules →Ontario, CA
San Bernardino County
Aircraft noise from Ontario International Airport (ONT) is regulated by the FAA, not the city. ONT runs an FAA Part 150 noise compatibility program; federal preemption bars local restrictions on flights.
View full Ontario rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Chino | Ontario |
|---|---|---|
| FAA preemption | 49 U.S.C. §§40103, 41713 — federal exclusive authority over aircraft in flight | - |
| Airport sponsor | San Bernardino County Department of Airports (KCNO) | - |
| Local noise code exemption | Chino CMC §9.40 does not apply to aircraft operations | - |
| Compatibility plan | Chino Airport Comprehensive Land Use Plan (ACLUP), Alternative Process | - |
| CNEL contour requiring attenuation | 65 dB CNEL — interior 45 dB CNEL required per CBC §1207 | - |
| Noise complaint channel | San Bernardino County Dept. of Airports, NOT Chino code enforcement | - |
| Jurisdiction | - | FAA federal preemption |
| Program | - | FAA Part 150 noise compatibility |
| Airport | - | Ontario International ONT |
| Complaints | - | ONT noise hotline and online form |
| City Role | - | Land-use controls near airport |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Chino FAQ
Why can't Chino just limit small-plane noise overhead?
Federal law gives the FAA exclusive authority over aircraft in flight (49 U.S.C. §§40103, 41713). Cities can regulate land use under and around airports but cannot impose noise limits on flying aircraft. Chino CMC §9.40 explicitly exempts aircraft operations from its exterior noise standards.
I'm buying a house near Chino Airport — what should I know?
If the property is within the ACLUP airport influence area (especially under the 65 dB CNEL contour or in a safety zone), state law requires the seller to disclose the airport proximity, and many subdivisions carry recorded avigation easements. Verify ACLUP zone via San Bernardino County Land Use Services and check the recorded grant deed for easements.
Ontario FAQ
Can Ontario restrict aircraft noise at ONT?
No. Federal law preempts local restrictions on aircraft operations. The FAA and airport operator manage noise through the Part 150 program and voluntary procedures.
How do I file an aircraft noise complaint?
Use the Ontario International Airport noise complaint hotline or online portal. Complaints are logged and used to inform Part 150 updates.
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