Bloomington, IL Noise Ordinances: Aircraft Noise (2026)
Key Facts
- District
- S-1 Aircraft Noise Impact overlay
- 65+ Ldn zone
- new homes and child care banned
- 60-65 Ldn zone
- STC-rated construction required
- Interior noise goal
- 45 dBA
- Variance review
- needs Airport Authority recommendation
Summary
In the City of Bloomington, the S-1 Aircraft Noise Impact District overlays land near Central Illinois Regional Airport within the 60 and 65 Ldn noise contours. Inside the 65 Ldn zone, new houses, child care facilities and overnight-stay buildings are flatly prohibited; between 60 and 65 Ldn they must meet sound-insulation standards.
The S-1 Aircraft Noise Impact District shall be established as an overlay zone in combination with all other zoning districts which lie within the boundaries of Airport Noise Impact Zones as established by the Official Zoning Map. ... Areas within the 65 Ldn or higher Airport Noise Impact Zone. The development or construction of any new child care facility, residential building, structure designed or intended for overnight stay, or similar use as determined by the Zoning Administrator is prohibited. ... Areas between the 60 Ldn and 65 Ldn Airport Noise Impact Zones. Any new child care facility, residential building, structure designed or intended for overnight stay, or similar use as determined by the Zoning Administrator meet the following standards. ... Buildings shall be constructed with the following sound insulation materials to address the goal of achieving a day/night average maximum interior noise level of 45 dBa and to meet or exceed the following Sound Transmission Class (STC) ratings: ... Exterior walls shall meet the STC rating of at least 30; ... Exterior doors shall include a storm door or meet the STC rating of at least 28.
Full Breakdown
The Official Zoning Map draws the S-1 boundary using the 60 Ldn and 65 Ldn noise contours around Central Illinois Regional Airport, and Bloomington City Code § 44-802 sets separate rules for each band. Inside the 65 Ldn or higher zone, the Zoning Administrator must refuse any new child care facility, residential building, or structure designed for overnight stay. Between 60 and 65 Ldn, those same uses are allowed only if the building hits specific Sound Transmission Class (STC) targets: exterior walls rated STC 30, exterior doors STC 28 (or a storm door), exterior windows STC 28, and R-30 attic insulation with soffit wind baffles or an STC 39 roof, all aimed at a 45 dBA interior noise goal.
The section also requires insulated basement windows or well covers, fireplace dampers or doors, and central air conditioning so residents are not relying on open windows for cooling in high-noise areas. Any variation from § 44-802 first needs a written recommendation from the Central Illinois Regional Airport Authority; the Construction Board of Appeals then reviews variations tied to building construction or acoustic insulation, while the Zoning Board of Appeals handles every other variation. The section was last amended by Ord. No. 2022-99 and Ord. No. 2024-015.
Violations & Fines
Building without the required STC-rated walls, doors, windows and insulation in the 60-65 Ldn band, or constructing a new home, child care use or overnight-stay structure inside the 65 Ldn zone, is a zoning violation the Development Services Department can block at permit review. Where no more specific fine applies, Code § 1-106 sets a general penalty of $50 to $500 per day, with each day of a continuing violation a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I build a new house inside the 65 Ldn aircraft noise zone in Bloomington?
What sound insulation does a new home need between the 60 and 65 Ldn contours?
Who reviews a request to vary the aircraft noise overlay rules?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Bloomington
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