Broomfield, CO Noise Ordinances: Aircraft Noise (2026)

Section 9-36-030(C) states plainly that the maximum dB(A) levels specified in Schedule 9-36A do not apply to aircraft which are operated in accordance with federal laws or regulations. The exemption is unconditional: unlike the burglar-alarm exception in subsection (B), which loses its excused status after 20 minutes, or the construction exceptions in subsections (F) and (I), which are bounded by specific hours and decibel caps, the aircraft exemption in (C) carries no time window, decibel ceiling or distance limit. It sits alongside other blanket exemptions in the same list: bells or chimes from clocks, schools or churches (A); city-authorized events such as parades and fireworks displays (D); and emergency abatement activities (G).

Because the Federal Aviation Administration occupies the field of aircraft operations and noise under federal law, Broomfield's ordinance defers to that framework rather than attempting to impose its own decibel ceiling on aircraft using Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport or otherwise operating in Broomfield airspace. Chapter 9-36 traces to Ordinance 862 from 1989, and the exceptions section was last amended by Ordinance 1794 in 2005; the aircraft exemption's wording has not changed since 1989. Residents near flight paths who want relief from aircraft noise have no avenue through Chapter 9-36; the exemption forecloses a municipal noise complaint against any aircraft operating within federal rules, leaving only federal or airport-authority channels available.