Aircraft noise over Bakersfield, including operations at Meadows Field (BFL) and Bakersfield Municipal Airport (L45), is governed almost entirely by federal law. Under FAA preemption and 49 U.S.C. §40103, cities cannot regulate aircraft in flight, so Bakersfield's noise code expressly does not apply to aircraft operations.
Federal law preempts local regulation of aircraft noise. The Federal Aviation Administration controls navigable airspace under 49 U.S.C. §40103, and the Airport Noise and Capacity Act of 1990 (ANCA, 49 U.S.C. §47521 et seq.) bars airports from imposing new noise or access restrictions on Stage 3/4 aircraft without an FAA-approved Part 161 study. Bakersfield Municipal Code Chapter 9.22 follows the typical California model and exempts aircraft in flight from its noise standards. Kern County, which operates Meadows Field (BFL), encourages but cannot require voluntary noise-abatement procedures such as preferred runways and reduced-power climbs. Residents bothered by low-flying aircraft should file a complaint directly with the FAA (1-866-TELL-FAA or the FAA Noise Portal) and with the airport noise office; local police and code enforcement have no authority. Ground-based aircraft noise, such as idling jet engines or run-ups at fixed-base operators, can be regulated locally and falls under Meadows Field's operating rules and BMC 9.22 when heard off airport property.
Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact Bakersfield code enforcement directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.
Bakersfield, CA
Bakersfield does not generally ban overnight street parking, but BMC 10.40.010 makes it unlawful for any vehicle (operable or not) to remain parked on a publ...
Bakersfield, CA
Bakersfield does not restrict year-round lawn ornaments (statues, gnomes, flamingos, religious figures, sports themes) on residential property. There is no p...
Bakersfield, CA
Bakersfield does not regulate residential inflatable holiday displays by size, lighting, or motor noise. They qualify as seasonal decorations exempt under BM...
Bakersfield, CA
Bakersfield's outdoor lighting standards exempt seasonal decorations as long as they are not in use for more than 60 consecutive days. Residential lots zoned...
Bakersfield, CA
A built-in outdoor kitchen in Bakersfield typically requires building, electrical, plumbing, and gas permits from the Building Division under BMC Title 15 (w...
Bakersfield, CA
Bakersfield has no ordinance specifically addressing residential backyard smokers (offset, pellet, or kamado). Use is permitted as an accessory residential a...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Kern County.
See how other cities in Kern County handle aircraft noise.
See how Bakersfield's aircraft noise rules stack up against other locations.
Quick Compare
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.