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Columbia, SC Noise Ordinances: Aircraft Noise (2026)

Few Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

Key Facts

Exempt provision
Sec. 8-94(d)
Covers
Aircraft, federally regulated noise
Local dB limits
Do not apply to aircraft
Alternate remedy
FAA / federal noise-control law
Adopting ordinance
Ord. No. 2019-059, 9-17-19

Summary

Columbia's noise ordinance exempts aircraft operations from the city's decibel limits and enforcement, deferring entirely to federal noise-control law rather than the sound-level standards that apply to vehicles, construction and residential noise citywide.

The provisions of this article shall not apply to: ... (d)Operation of aircraft or other activities which are subject to federal law with respect to noise control.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 35).

Full Breakdown

Article III of Chapter 8 sets maximum sound levels for vehicles, construction and non-vehicular noise sources within the city, but Section 8-94 lists nine categories exempt from every provision of the article. Subsection (d) removes "operation of aircraft or other activities which are subject to federal law with respect to noise control" from local jurisdiction entirely, so aviation-related sound in Columbia falls under FAA and federal aviation-noise rules, not the city's dB(A) tables in Section 8-93. m. m. m. Because Section 8-94 begins "the provisions of this article shall not apply to," none of the measurement procedures in Section 8-92 or the decibel ceilings in Section 8-93, 55 dB(A) daytime and 50 dB(A) nighttime for residential non-vehicular sources, can be enforced against aircraft noise.

A resident with a flight-noise complaint has no local ordinance remedy and must pursue it through the FAA or an airport authority instead of the city's noise-control office.

Violations & Fines

Because aircraft noise is expressly excluded, Columbia issues no citations for it under Chapter 8. Other noise-article violations, such as exceeding the sound-level tables or running a defective muffler, are misdemeanors carrying up to a $500.00 fine or 30 days' imprisonment under the Section 1-5 general penalty, but that path is unavailable for aircraft; complaints route to the FAA or airport operator instead.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Columbia's noise ordinance regulate aircraft noise?
No. Section 8-94(d) of the Code of Ordinances exempts "operation of aircraft or other activities which are subject to federal law with respect to noise control" from every provision of Article III, so the city's sound-level limits and measurement rules never reach aircraft.
Who handles aircraft noise complaints in Columbia?
Since the city ordinance carves aircraft out entirely, complaints go to the FAA or the operating airport authority rather than Columbia code enforcement or police, because Section 8-94 defers to federal noise-control law for this category.
What noise near an airport does the ordinance still cover?
Ground-based sources unrelated to aircraft operation, such as vehicle stereos, construction equipment or residential parties, remain subject to the Section 8-93 decibel tables even though aircraft themselves are exempt under Section 8-94(d).

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Columbia

Quiet HoursSome RestrictionsConstruction HoursSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Height LimitsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: RV & Boat ParkingSome RestrictionsDecibel LimitsSome RestrictionsAmplified Music & Outdoor SoundSome RestrictionsVehicle NoiseSome RestrictionsBarking DogsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: EV ChargingSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Fence Permit RequirementsSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Veterinary Clinic ZoningSome RestrictionsLandscaping Rules: CompostingLight Restrictions

All Columbia rules

Compare Columbia to another location·View the South Carolina noise ordinances overview

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