Aircraft Noise: Tulare vs Visalia
How do aircraft noise rules compare between Tulare, CA and Visalia, CA?
Tulare and Visalia have similar restriction levels.
Tulare, CA
Tulare County
Aircraft-in-flight noise is preempted by federal law (City of Burbank v. Lockheed Air Terminal, 411 U.S. 624). Tulare Municipal Code Chapter 6.40 cannot regulate flight operations at Mefford Field (KTLR). Airport-proprietor noise-compatibility planning runs through the FAA Part 150 process and Caltrans Aeronautics' Airport Noise Program (Cal. Pub. Util. Code Div. 9 / 21 CCR §§ 5000 et seq.).
View full Tulare rules →Visalia, CA
Tulare County
Tulare County cannot regulate operational aircraft noise — it is preempted by federal and state law. The General Plan Noise Element instead limits new noise-sensitive development within the 60 CNEL contour of public-use airports (Visalia, Porterville, Mefford Field, and others).
View full Visalia rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Tulare | Visalia |
|---|---|---|
| Local airport | Mefford Field (KTLR), city-owned, ~30,000 annual operations | - |
| Preemption | Federal — City of Burbank v. Lockheed (1973) | - |
| State standard | 65 dB CNEL (21 CCR §5006) for state-permitted airports | - |
| Local code | Chapter 6.40 does not regulate aircraft in flight | - |
| Complaints | Airport manager / FAA, not Code Enforcement | - |
| Operational Preemption | - | Federal (49 U.S.C. § 40103) and state law |
| Land-Use Tool | - | 60 CNEL siting restriction (General Plan) |
| Outdoor Limit | - | 60 dB Ldn/CNEL (up to 65 with mitigation) |
| Indoor Limit | - | 45 dB Ldn (windows/doors closed) |
| Public-Use Airports | - | Visalia, Porterville, Mefford Field, Sequoia Field, Exeter |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Tulare FAQ
Can Tulare set a nighttime curfew at Mefford Field?
Only by going through FAA Part 161, which has rarely been approved. The city cannot unilaterally restrict aircraft operations.
Does Chapter 6.40 cover aircraft noise?
No. Aircraft in flight are federally preempted. Chapter 6.40 noise standards apply to terrestrial sources.
Where do I complain about a noisy pattern?
Contact the Mefford Field airport manager through the City's General Services / Airport division; the City's Aviation Committee reviews policy.
Visalia FAQ
Can Tulare County penalize a pilot or airline for loud overflights?
No. The General Plan Noise Element confirms that 'aircraft operations is preempted by existing federal and/or state regulations.' Complaints must go to the airport operator or the FAA noise office.
Can I build a new house inside an airport noise contour?
Not if the site is within the 60 CNEL contour of a public-use airport identified in the Tulare County General Plan. New noise-sensitive uses requiring zoning or subdivision approval are prohibited there.
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