Aircraft Noise: Chino vs San Bernardino
How do aircraft noise rules compare between Chino, CA and San Bernardino, CA?
Chino and San Bernardino 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 →San Bernardino, CA
San Bernardino County
Aircraft noise is preempted by the FAA and not subject to local San Bernardino enforcement. San Bernardino International Airport (SBD) and nearby March Field generate regular overflights.
View full San Bernardino rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Chino | San Bernardino |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | - |
| Primary Jurisdiction | - | FAA (federal) |
| Major Airport | - | San Bernardino International (SBD) |
| Local Authority | - | None for flight operations |
| Complaint Path | - | SBD Authority or FAA Noise Portal |
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.
San Bernardino FAQ
Can San Bernardino limit airline takeoff times?
No. Airport operations and flight paths are federally preempted under FAA authority; the city cannot set curfews on aircraft.
Where do I complain about cargo flights?
Contact the San Bernardino International Airport Authority noise line or file through the FAA Noise Portal.
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