Colorado Springs, CO Noise Ordinances: Aircraft Noise (2026)

Direct regulation of aircraft noise is preempted by federal law (City of Burbank v. S. 624 (1973)), and Colorado courts have reaffirmed that federal law bars state courts from ordering airport operators to restrict aircraft operations for noise abatement (Town of Superior v. of County Comm'rs, 2026 COA 14). Colorado Revised Statutes Title 41 (Aeronautics: Aircraft and Airports) governs airport ownership and operation at the state level, and CRS 41-1-107 vests ownership of space above lands in surface owners subject to the right of flight.

Because it cannot cap aircraft decibels, Colorado Springs addresses airport noise through land-use compatibility. 601 creates the AP-O Airport Overlay zone tied to Colorado Springs Airport's noise contours; for proposed development within an existing residential zone in the higher-noise subzone, a noise level reduction of thirty (30) dBA must be achieved with a noise reduction certificate, and as a condition of approval the applicant must grant and record an avigation easement for the benefit of the Colorado Springs Airport, waiving claims arising from aircraft noise, vibration, fumes, and dust.

The Colorado Springs Airport also operates a voluntary FAA-framework noise abatement and complaint program. No Colorado Springs ordinance sets an enforceable decibel limit on aircraft themselves; the airport-proprietor and FAA framework applies.