Aircraft Noise: Gresham vs Portland
How do aircraft noise rules compare between Gresham, OR and Portland, OR?
Gresham has fewer restrictions than Portland.
Gresham, OR
Multnomah County
Aircraft noise in Oregon is preempted by federal law and ORS Chapter 836, which gives the Oregon Department of Aviation regulatory authority over airports. Local ordinances cannot restrict overflight noise or set in-air sound limits.
View full Gresham rules →Portland, OR
Multnomah County
Aircraft noise around Portland International Airport (PDX) is governed by federal law (FAA) rather than Portland City Code. The Port of Portland operates a voluntary FAA Part 150 Noise Compatibility Program, runs a 24/7 noise complaint system, and publishes annual noise contour maps. The City of Portland cannot regulate aircraft in flight or restrict airport operations.
View full Portland rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Gresham | Portland |
|---|---|---|
| Federal authority | FAA exclusive airspace | - |
| State statute | ORS 836.608 | - |
| Local power | Ground zoning only | - |
| Drones | FAA preempted | - |
| Primary Authority | - | FAA (federal preemption); Port of Portland Part 150 Program |
| City Code | - | PCC 18.02 exempts aircraft from local noise regulation |
| Noise Hotline | - | Port of Portland 24/7 complaint line (flypdx.com) |
| Sound Insulation | - | Homes inside 65 DNL contour may qualify for Port-funded insulation |
| Local Fines | - | None — federally preempted |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Gresham FAQ
Can my city ban late-night flights overhead?
No. Federal law and ORS 836 preempt municipal regulation of aircraft in flight. Curfews require an FAA Part 161 study and approval; cities cannot enact them unilaterally.
Where do I file an aircraft noise complaint?
Contact the airport operator first. For unresolved issues, file with the FAA Noise Complaint program or the Oregon Department of Aviation. Local noise ordinances do not apply to flight operations.
Portland FAQ
Can the City of Portland fine an airline for noisy flights over my house?
No. Aircraft noise is regulated exclusively by the FAA under 49 U.S.C. 47521-47534, and Portland City Code Title 18 (Noise Control) specifically exempts aircraft. Complaints go to the Port of Portland's noise office, which forwards them to the FAA and the airline.
How do I report PDX aircraft noise?
File a complaint through the Port of Portland's online portal at flypdx.com or call the 24/7 noise hotline. Each complaint is logged with date, time, and your address, and contributes to the data the Port uses when updating its Part 150 Noise Compatibility Study.
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