Antioch, CA Noise Ordinances: Aircraft Noise (2026)
Key Facts
- Daytime takeoff cap
- 78.0 dBA per FAA AC 36-3
- Nighttime takeoff cap (10 PM - 7 AM)
- 75.0 dBA per FAA AC 36-3
- Touch-and-go curfew
- 10 PM - 7 AM weekdays; 10 PM - 8 AM weekends/holidays
- Preferential arrival runway
- Runway 19R
- Preferential departure runway
- Runway 32R
- Authority
- Contra Costa County Airport Ordinance 88-82, Section 27 (effective 1/1/1989)
- Federal context
- Federally grandfathered as pre-ANCA proprietor restriction (49 U.S.C. section 47524)
Summary
Antioch lies under the airspace of Contra Costa County's Buchanan Field Airport (CCR). County Airport Ordinance 88-82 Section 27 caps takeoff noise at 78 dBA daytime and 75 dBA from 10 PM to 7 AM, and prohibits touch-and-go and pattern operations from 10 PM to 7 AM weekdays (to 8 AM weekends and holidays).
A. Maximum Permitted Noise Level. Unless expressly exempted under Subsection E. of this Section, no person shall pilot, operate, or permit to be operated, any aircraft at Buchanan Field Airport which exceeds a sound level of 78.0 decibels on the A-weighted scale (dBA) on takeoff, under measuring procedures referenced, and at noise levels set forth in U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Aviation Administration ('FAA') Advisory Circular 36-3 ('AC 36-3'), as amended... B. Maximum Permitted Nighttime Takeoff Noise Levels. Unless expressly exempted under Subsections E. or F. of this Section, no person shall pilot or operate any aircraft at Buchanan Field Airport which exceeds a sound level of 75.0 decibels on the A-weighted scale (dBA) on takeoff... during the hours of 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. (2200 hours to 0700 hours), local time. ... SECTION 3. Practice landings and takeoffs, training and/or proficiency operations, including but not limited to touch-and-go operations, shall not be conducted between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. local time. This time shall be 10:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. on weekends and all holidays observed by Contra Costa County.
Full Breakdown
Aircraft noise is federally preempted as to airworthiness and in-flight operations, but airport-proprietor noise rules adopted before the Airport Noise and Capacity Act (ANCA, 1990) remain enforceable. Contra Costa County's Airport Ordinance 88-82, Section 27 (effective January 1, 1989) governs Buchanan Field, which serves Antioch's airspace. 0 decibels on the A-weighted scale (dBA) on takeoff,' measured per FAA Advisory Circular 36-3. local time. D directs the Manager of Airports to maintain a Prohibited Aircraft List and bars listed aircraft from tying down, basing, or otherwise using Buchanan Field's landing/takeoff facilities.
on weekends and Contra-Costa-observed holidays. G designates Runway 19R as the preferential noise-abatement arrival runway and Runway 32R as the preferential departure runway for delayed scheduled commercial flights. F exempts US/State, law-enforcement/fire/SAR, emergency-relief, life-or-property emergency, Civil Air Patrol SAR, FAA-required test, medical evac, and Board-of-Supervisors-approved air-show aircraft from the daytime cap. ) reserves airport noise standards to the airport proprietor and the state.
Violations & Fines
Pilot or owner of a non-exempt aircraft exceeding the dBA caps, or conducting prohibited touch-and-go operations, is subject to administrative action under the Airport Regulations and may be cited as an infraction enforceable by the Public Works Director under Penal Code section 836.5 and Contra Costa County Ordinance Code section 14-8.000. Appeal to the Director of Public Works within 10 calendar days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Antioch impose its own aircraft noise rules?
Where do I report a low-flying or noisy aircraft over Antioch?
Are there 'preferred' runways to reduce overflights?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Antioch
California rules heatmap·Compare Antioch to another location·View the California noise ordinances overview
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