Aircraft noise in Minnesota is governed primarily by federal aviation rules, with state oversight through the Metropolitan Airports Commission and MnDOT airport zoning standards. Local noise ordinances cannot regulate aircraft in flight or on FAA-controlled operations.
Federal law preempts most aircraft noise regulation. Minnesota supplements through Minnesota Statutes Chapter 360 governing aeronautics and Chapter 473 establishing the Metropolitan Airports Commission. The MAC operates noise abatement programs, including residential sound insulation around MSP. Local communities may adopt airport zoning ordinances under Minn. Stat. sections 360.061 to 360.074 to control land use compatible with aircraft operations, but cannot directly restrict aircraft flight operations. The MPCA noise standards in Minn. Rules 7030 generally exclude aircraft noise. Complaints typically route to the airport operator or FAA.
Violations of airport zoning ordinances may result in injunctive relief or misdemeanor penalties under Minn. Stat. 360.073; flight operation complaints go to FAA.
See how Buffalo's aircraft noise rules stack up against other locations.
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