Boulder County's noise ordinance does not regulate aircraft. Section 1.01.060(G) exempts "operation of aircraft or other activities which are subject to federal law with respect to noise control," leaving airplane and helicopter noise to the FAA.
Under Ordinance No. 92-28, Section 1.01.060(G), the county's noise limits do not apply to "Operation of aircraft or other activities which are subject to federal law with respect to noise control." Aircraft noise is preempted by federal law and regulated by the FAA, not by Boulder County. Concerns about flights near Boulder Municipal Airport, Erie Municipal Airport, or Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport should go to the airport operator or the FAA. The county cannot set decibel caps or curfews on aircraft. Drones (UAS) are likewise governed primarily by FAA rules, though local land-use and privacy rules may apply on the ground.
The county issues no aircraft-noise penalties. Complaints route to the FAA or the relevant airport authority under federal noise-control jurisdiction.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Boulder County.
See how Boulder's aircraft noise rules stack up against other locations.
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