Clifton, NJ Noise Ordinances: Aircraft Noise (2026)

Chapter 129, Article III governs the operation of aircraft and helicopters over Clifton. Section 129-12 requires a valid airman certificate and airworthiness certificate from the Civil Aeronautics Authority before anyone may operate an aircraft in or over the City. Section 129-14 bans acrobatic flying outright, and § 129-15 confines landings to a regularly established airport or landing area, except in an emergency or for an approved helicopter landing tied to a nonprofit, charitable, religious or service organization event authorized in advance by the Municipal Council.

Section 129-16 then adds the noise-specific rule at issue here: unnecessary noise by aircraft operators within or over the City is prohibited outright, with no decibel threshold, so enforcement turns on whether the noise was avoidable under the circumstances. Section 129-18 layers on a permit requirement for exhibition flights that carry banners, drop circulars, or run a loudspeaking device from an aircraft: the Chief of Police must issue a permit, priced at $5 per flight or $500 for a six-month permit, and can revoke it for any violation of the chapter.

Section 129-19 exempts public aircraft of the federal government, a state, or a political subdivision, and foreign aircraft covered by a reciprocal agreement with the United States. Section 129-17 lets the Municipal Council revoke any Chapter 129 permit for a violation after notice and a hearing.