Allegheny County, PA Noise Ordinances: Aircraft Noise (2026)
Key Facts
- Trigger
- high aircraft noise-contour areas
- Compliance options
- compatible use or soundproofing
- Standard-setter
- County Dept. of Aviation
- Penalty
- up to $500/day, §780-109
Summary
Allegheny County requires new subdivisions in FAA noise-contour zones near airports to either restrict development to noise-compatible uses or soundproof structures to County Aviation Department standards before final plan approval.
Subdivisions and land developments located in areas which are impacted or projected to be impacted by high levels of aircraft-related noise, as delineated in the most recent airport noise contour maps, shall comply with one of the following two options: Land shall be subdivided or developed only for uses that are compatible with existing and projected noise levels. ... Structures shall be soundproofed in accordance with standards promulgated by the Allegheny County Department of Aviation.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4857026; v12 updated 2024-06-04; through 06-04-2024).
Full Breakdown
Under the county's Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance, land in areas impacted or projected to be impacted by high aircraft-related noise, as shown on current airport noise contour maps, must either be developed only for uses compatible with existing and projected noise levels or have structures soundproofed to standards set by the Allegheny County Department of Aviation. A notation warning of aircraft noise exposure must also be placed on the recorded subdivision plan. The rule applies countywide as part of subdivision and land development review, alongside separate airport-hazard-area height and lighting restrictions in the same section.
Violations & Fines
Plans that ignore the noise-contour rule can be denied final approval, and violations of Chapter 780 carry a civil judgment up to $500 per day plus court costs under §780-109.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Allegheny County regulate aircraft noise for new subdivisions?
What happens if a plan ignores the noise-contour rule?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Allegheny County
Compare Allegheny County to another location·View the Pennsylvania noise ordinances overview
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