Aircraft Noise: Fresno vs Selma
How do aircraft noise rules compare between Fresno, CA and Selma, CA?
Selma has fewer restrictions than Fresno.
Fresno, CA
Fresno County
Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT) sits inside city limits roughly 5 miles northeast of downtown with flight paths over established neighborhoods. Aircraft operations are governed by the FAA, not city code, but properties within the 65+ CNEL noise contour require real estate disclosure under California Civil Code §1103 and the Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan.
View full Fresno rules →Selma, CA
Fresno County
Selma is not located near a major commercial airport. The nearest airports are Fresno Yosemite International (FAT), about 20 miles north, and Selma-based agricultural airstrips. Aircraft noise is regulated by the FAA at the federal level and is generally exempt from local noise ordinances.
View full Selma rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Fresno | Selma |
|---|---|---|
| - | - | |
| Nearest Airport | - | Fresno Yosemite Intl (20 mi north) |
| Local Ordinance | - | None (FAA preemption) |
| Crop Dusters | - | Common in agricultural areas |
| Complaints | - | File with FAA |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Fresno FAQ
Can I sue Fresno Airport for jet noise at my house?
Federal law preempts most local claims about aircraft in flight. You can file complaints with the Airport noise office and FAA, but nuisance lawsuits over noise from properly-operated flights are rarely successful.
Does a seller have to disclose FAT noise when selling a house?
Yes, if the property lies within the 65+ CNEL airport noise contour mapped by the Fresno County Airport Land Use Commission, sellers must disclose airport proximity on the Natural Hazard Disclosure Statement.
Selma FAQ
Does Selma regulate aircraft noise?
No. Aircraft noise is regulated exclusively by the FAA under federal law, which preempts local ordinances. Selma's noise code exempts federally regulated activities.
Why do I hear low-flying planes near Selma?
Agricultural aviation (crop dusting) is common in the Central Valley. These operations are federally regulated. Contact the FAA for complaints about unsafe low-flying aircraft.
Compare other topics
See how Fresno and Selma compare on other ordinance categories.
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