Ashton-Sandy Spring Noise Ordinances: Aircraft Noise Rules (2026)

Aircraft noise in Montgomery County is primarily a concern in western communities including Potomac, Poolesville, Darnestown, and Dickerson where Dulles International Airport departure and arrival routes pass overhead. Montgomery County Airpark (GAI) in Gaithersburg generates additional noise complaints from surrounding residential areas. Federal law under the Airport Noise and Capacity Act of 1990 preempts local regulation of aircraft operations and noise, meaning Montgomery County cannot impose curfews or flight-path changes. The county council has periodically lobbied the FAA and the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA) to adjust flight paths and implement noise abatement procedures. The FAA NextGen flight path modernization program has concentrated flight corridors, increasing noise in some communities while reducing it in others. Residents can file complaints with MWAA for Dulles-related noise or with the Maryland Aviation Administration for state-level advocacy. Montgomery County Airpark has voluntary noise abatement procedures including preferred runway use and traffic pattern altitudes.