Aircraft Noise: San Mateo vs South San Francisco
How do aircraft noise rules compare between San Mateo, CA and South San Francisco, CA?
South San Francisco has fewer restrictions than San Mateo.
San Mateo, CA
San Mateo County
San Mateo experiences aircraft noise from San Francisco International Airport (SFO), located approximately 3 miles north. The city cannot restrict FAA-controlled flight operations. SFO's noise monitoring program tracks noise levels and accepts complaints. New development within noise contours requires sound insulation.
View full San Mateo 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 | San Mateo | South San Francisco |
|---|---|---|
| Airport | SFO — approximately 3 miles north | - |
| Federal Preemption | City cannot restrict flights | - |
| Noise Monitoring | SFO has permanent stations | - |
| Complaints | SFO online noise complaint portal | - |
| New Development | Sound insulation in 65 dB CNEL | - |
| 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.
San Mateo FAQ
Why is there aircraft noise in San Mateo?
San Mateo is approximately 3 miles south of SFO. Aircraft on approach and departure create noise over parts of the city.
Can San Mateo limit airport noise?
No. Airport operations are under FAA jurisdiction. SFO has voluntary noise abatement procedures including preferential runway use.
How do I file an aircraft noise complaint?
File complaints through SFO's online noise complaint portal at flysfo.com. SFO tracks complaints for its noise monitoring program.
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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