Billings, MT Noise Ordinances: Aircraft Noise (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit required
- Airport influence area permit
- Noise threshold
- Ldn 65 triggers insulation
- Interior target
- Ldn 45 max indoor level
- Overlay size
- ~30,528 x 10,560 ft
Summary
Billings regulates development near Billings Logan International Airport through an aircraft noise overlay zone, requiring sound insulation for residential and other noise-sensitive uses exposed to Ldn 65 or higher aircraft noise.
It is generally recognized that residential and some other uses may be incompatible in areas that are exposed to aircraft noise levels of Ldn 65 or higher unless the structures are insulated with acoustical material for sound attenuation to lower the interior noise levels. The objective is to achieve an interior noise level of Ldn 45 in habitable spaces. Therefore, except as otherwise provided in the city or county zoning ordinances, proposed new land uses in an aircraft noise overlay zone shall conform with the regulations set forth in this section.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 66 Update 2).
Full Breakdown
The airport influence area and noise zone overlays existing zoning around Billings Logan International Airport, covering a roughly 30,528-by-10,560-foot area centered on the primary runway. Any new structure, land-use change, or substantial alteration inside the zone requires a zoning-coordinator-issued airport influence area permit before the city will issue a building permit. Table A sets land-use compatibility by Ldn noise band: residential uses become incompatible above Ldn 70, and noise level reduction (insulation) is required in the Ldn 65-70 band to hold interior noise at Ldn 45 or below. The director of aviation periodically updates the noise-contour maps for city council approval.
Violations & Fines
Building without the required airport influence area permit blocks issuance of a city building permit; nonconforming uses can't be reestablished after a one-year discontinuance or expanded beyond 50% of the structure's value.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Billings directly limit aircraft flight noise?
What triggers an airport influence area permit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Billings
Compare Billings to another location·View the Montana noise ordinances overview
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