Aircraft Noise: Daly City vs South San Francisco
How do aircraft noise rules compare between Daly City, CA and South San Francisco, CA?
South San Francisco has fewer restrictions than Daly City.
Daly City, CA
San Mateo County
Aircraft departing San Francisco International Airport make the Serramonte neighborhood Daly City's main aircraft-noise area, with flyovers reaching 85-95 dBA. Municipal Code Section 15.00.130 requires homes built after 1993 within the FAA-approved 65 CNEL contour to be insulated to FAA program standards.
View full Daly City rules →South San Francisco, CA
San Mateo County
Aircraft noise is regulated by the FAA under federal law, not by the County's local noise ordinance. The County of San Mateo operates San Carlos and Half Moon Bay airports and runs a voluntary Airports Noise Abatement Program with voluntary flight procedures, a 'Fly Friendly' education effort and a noise-complaint hotline at (844) 266-6266.
View full South San Francisco rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Daly City | South San Francisco |
|---|---|---|
| Main affected area | Serramonte neighborhood | - |
| Flyover maximums | 85-95 dBA Lmax | - |
| Serramonte CNEL | 70 dBA | - |
| Insulation rule | Post-1993 homes in 65 CNEL contour | - |
| ALUCP | SFO plan adopted by C/CAG, Nov 2012 | - |
| Primary regulator | - | Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) |
| County airports | - | San Carlos and Half Moon Bay |
| Program type | - | Voluntary Noise Abatement Program |
| Noise hotline | - | (844) 266-6266 |
| Local decibel citation | - | None - federally preempted |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Daly City FAQ
Why is aircraft noise worst in the Serramonte area?
Aircraft departing westbound from SFO pass over southeastern Daly City. The Noise Element measured background levels of 50-55 dBA there, with flyover peaks of 85-95 dBA and a CNEL of 70 dBA.
Do homes near the flight path need sound insulation?
Yes. Municipal Code Section 15.00.130 requires homes built after 1993 within the FAA-approved 65 CNEL contour of the Aircraft Noise Soundproofing Project Area Map to meet FAA noise-insulation program standards.
Who do I contact about SFO aircraft noise?
SFO's Aircraft Noise Abatement Office, which operates the noise monitoring system referenced in the City's Noise Element, handles overflight noise complaints; the City itself cannot regulate aircraft in flight.
South San Francisco FAQ
Can San Mateo County cite a plane for being too loud?
No. Aircraft noise is regulated by the FAA under federal law, which preempts local noise ordinances. The County uses voluntary noise-abatement procedures and pilot education rather than citations.
How do I report aircraft noise from a county airport?
Call the County's airport noise hotline at (844) 266-6266 or submit a noise comment form through the Noise Abatement Program for San Carlos or Half Moon Bay airports.
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