Cary, NC Noise Ordinances: Aircraft Noise (2026)
Key Facts
- Normal aircraft ops
- Exempt from noise rules
- Scale model aircraft
- Not exempt
- Condition
- No serious bodily-harm risk
- Also governs
- FAA airspace jurisdiction
Summary
The Town of Cary's noise ordinance exempts normal aircraft operations entirely, though scale model aircraft noise is not covered by the exemption.
The following acts and activities are exempt from the provisions of this article unless such acts produce a risk of serious and unnecessary bodily harm: ... (9) Aircraft. All noises coming from the normal operations of properly equipped aircraft, but not including scale model aircraft.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2023 S-87_S-57: Current through local ordinance 2022-Code-05, passed 11-17-2022 and effective 11-17-2022 | LDO: Current through local ordinance 2022-LDO-04, passed 11-17-22 and effective 11-17-22).
Full Breakdown
The Town of Cary's noise ordinance does not reach aircraft. Code § 22-105(9) exempts 'all noises coming from the normal operations of properly equipped aircraft' from the noise article's limits, so long as the activity doesn't create a risk of serious and unnecessary bodily harm. The carve-out is narrow: it expressly excludes scale model aircraft, meaning drone or model-plane noise remains subject to the Town's general disturbing-noise prohibition in Sec. 22-102. Full-scale aircraft over Wake County also fall under federal FAA airspace jurisdiction.
Violations & Fines
None for exempt full-scale aircraft operations. Scale model aircraft noise that violates the general noise prohibition can draw a civil penalty starting at $100 (Sec. 22-112).
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Cary regulate aircraft noise?
Are drones or model planes covered by this exemption?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Cary
Compare Cary to another location·View the North Carolina noise ordinances overview
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