Chico, CA Noise Ordinances: Aircraft Noise (2026)
Key Facts
- Overlay zone
- -AE Airport Environs zone
- Covers
- Chico Municipal & Ranchero Airports
- Noise standard
- CNEL interior noise insulation
- Required before permits
- Recorded avigation easement
- Also required
- Notice of Aircraft Overflight recorded
Summary
Chico's Airport Environs (-AE) overlay zone requires noise-insulated construction, recorded avigation easements, and a recorded Notice of Aircraft Overflight for development near Chico Municipal Airport and Ranchero Airport, addressing aircraft noise exposure under Chico Municipal Code § 19.52.020.
Noise Mitigation. Proposed structures shall be designed and constructed to provide noise insulation to reduce interior noise levels to the community noise equivalent level (CNEL) recommended by the Noise Element of the General Plan. ... the property owner shall enter into an agreement with the City granting any necessary avigation easements for aircraft overflight and/or acknowledging and permitting the ongoing exposure of the site to aircraft noise.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Supplement contains local legislation current through: Codified Resolution No. 53-26, adopted 7-14-26 and Ordinance No. 2622, adopted 6-2-26).
Full Breakdown
The -AE overlay zone applies to areas below Chico Municipal Airport's and Ranchero Airport's approach/departure paths and to areas subject to high aircraft noise levels. New structures must be designed for noise insulation reducing interior levels to the Noise Element's CNEL standard. Before any building permit, tentative map, or land use entitlement is approved, the property owner must sign an agreement granting the City any necessary avigation easements and acknowledging ongoing aircraft noise exposure, recorded with the Butte County Recorder. Entitlements must also carry a recorded Notice of Aircraft Overflight disclosing flight paths, noise exposure, and possible Airport Land Use Commission restrictions to future owners.
Violations & Fines
Permits and entitlements aren't issued until the avigation easement and Notice of Aircraft Overflight are signed and recorded with the Butte County Recorder; the code sets no separate fine schedule for this section.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Chico cap noise from airport flights?
Which properties fall under this rule?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Chico
California rules heatmap·Compare Chico to another location·View the California noise ordinances overview
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