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El Paso County, CO Noise Ordinances: Aircraft Noise (2026)

Significant Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

Key Facts

Noise reduction required
30 dBA indoor reduction
Proof required
Noise Reduction Certificate
Zone
ADNL Sub-Zone, 65 DNL contour
Review body
Airport Advisory Commission

Summary

El Paso County requires 30 dBA of indoor noise reduction for new residential construction inside the Airport Noise Sub-Zone around the Colorado Springs Municipal Airport overlay district.

City-specific rules exist: Colorado Springs has its own aircraft noise rules that differ from El Paso County's county-level regulations. If you live in Colorado Springs, check the city-specific page instead.

If the request is located within an existing residential zone or platted as residential, a noise level reduction of 30 dbA shall be achieved through approved construction techniques as evidence by the provision of a Noise Reduction Certificate.

CD4:28 SPECIAL PURPOSE, OVERLAY, AND OBSOLETE ZONING DISTRICTS 4.3.1

· Non-residential land uses as identified in Table 4-7 shall achieve a 30 dbA noise reduction by approved construction techniques as evidenced by a noise reduction certificate.

(b) Rezoning. Land should not be rezoned to a residential or multifamily district which allows a higher density than the current zoning of the property. In the event of a rezoning or variance action to allow a residential zoning with a higher density than the current zoning of the property, the BoCC shall include specific findings relative to airport noise within the approval resolution and shall require appropriate noise mitigation measures.

(3) APZ-1 Sub-Zone.

(a) Restrictions. The following restrictions shall apply within the APZ-1 sub-zone:

· Certain commercial, industrial and manufacturing uses that result in the congregation of

Full Breakdown

Within the CAD-O Commercial Airport Overlay District's Airport Noise Sub-Zone (ADNL, the 65 DNL contour), a building permit for property in an existing or platted residential zone requires a 30 dBA indoor noise level reduction achieved through approved construction techniques, proven by a Noise Reduction Certificate. Non-residential uses listed in Table 4-7 face the same requirement.

Violations & Fines

Building without the required Noise Reduction Certificate can block issuance of the building permit or authorization of use under Section 4.3.1(F)(2).

Frequently Asked Questions

Do new homes near Colorado Springs Airport need soundproofing?
Yes. Section 4.3.1(F)(2)(a) requires a 30 dBA indoor noise level reduction, verified by a Noise Reduction Certificate, for residential building permits in the ADNL Sub-Zone.
Does this apply to existing homes in the noise zone?
No. Section 4.3.1(D)(2) states noise reduction design standards apply only to new structures and uses, not to existing structural additions.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in El Paso County

All El Paso County rules

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