Charlotte, NC Noise Ordinances: Aircraft Noise (2026)
Key Facts
- Detail
- CLT is an American Airlines hub with ~700+
- Noise
- Aircraft noise is federally preempted - no local
- Detail
- WebTrak portal: clt.webtrak.emsbk.com for flight tracking
- Noise
- Noise complaint line: (704) 359-4013
- Rental
- Voluntary nighttime preferential runway use 10 p.m.-7 a.m.
Summary
Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT), an American Airlines hub, generates significant aircraft noise over west and southwest Charlotte neighborhoods. Local noise ordinances do not apply to aircraft operations, which are preempted by federal law (FAA jurisdiction). CLT runs a voluntary noise abatement program and publishes flight track data through its WebTrak portal for residents to review.
Aviation Noise The FAA conducted a nationwide survey regarding annoyance related to aircraft noise. For detailed information on the survey, please review the survey introduction and read the survey report . Further information on FAA's aircraft noise research program, can also be found on a Federal Register notice published on January 13, 2021. This notice invited comments on the FAA's aircraft noise research program, including the survey, through a 90-day total period which closed on April 14, 2021. The FAA is currently reviewing the over 4,000 comments received to this docket ( FAA-2021-0037-001 ). Almost 2.6 million passengers fly in and out of U.S. airports every day. Aviation supports 10.6 million American jobs, and moved 39.9 billion pounds of freight in 2016. Along with these benefi
Full Breakdown
Aircraft noise around Charlotte is governed exclusively by the Federal Aviation Administration under the Airport Noise and Capacity Act of 1990 (ANCA) and 14 CFR Part 150. The City of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County cannot set noise limits, curfews, or operating restrictions on aircraft using CLT. Charlotte's Noise Ordinance (City Code Chapter 15, Article III) specifically exempts aircraft operations.
CLT operates three parallel north-south runways (18L/36R, 18C/36C, 18R/36L) plus crosswind runway 5/23. Flight paths concentrate noise impacts over neighborhoods in west Charlotte, Steele Creek, and portions of Gaston County. The airport uses runway 18C/36C as the preferred runway during nighttime hours to reduce community impact, and employs the FAA's NextGen RNAV procedures for more predictable flight tracks.
CLT's Noise Compatibility Program, last updated under Part 150 review, includes voluntary nighttime (10 p.m.-7 a.m.) preferential runway use, residential sound insulation in the most-impacted 65+ DNL contour, and a community complaint system. Residents can file noise complaints via the WebTrak online portal or by calling the Noise Office at (704) 359-4013. Complaints are logged, matched to flight tracks, and reported to airlines but carry no enforcement weight.
Aircraft avigation easements were recorded on many Steele Creek-area properties as part of prior runway expansion mitigation, and disclosures are required for real estate transactions within certain noise contours.
Violations & Fines
Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact Charlotte code enforcement directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Charlotte impose a nighttime curfew on CLT flights?
How do I file an aircraft noise complaint?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Charlotte
Compare Charlotte to another location·View the North Carolina noise ordinances overview
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Aircraft Noise in Nearby Cities
How other cities in this county handle aircraft noise.