Costa Mesa is within the Airport Environs Land Use Plan for John Wayne Airport (SNA), which operates under departure noise limits and a voluntary nighttime curfew. The city enforces sound insulation requirements for new construction in noise impact zones.
John Wayne Airport (SNA) is located approximately two miles southeast of central Costa Mesa and generates aircraft noise across much of the city. The airport operates under a 1985 Settlement Agreement imposing departure noise limits of 89.5 dBA single-event level. A voluntary curfew restricts commercial departures between 11 PM and 7 AM and arrivals between 11 PM and 8 AM. The Orange County Airport Land Use Commission (ALUC) establishes noise contour zones influencing land use planning. Properties within the 65 CNEL noise contour must meet sound insulation standards under the Airport Environs Land Use Plan (AELUP). CMMC Title 13 addresses noise generally but defers to FAA jurisdiction for aircraft in flight. Residential development projects near the airport require noise studies and mitigation. Noise complaints are directed to the JWA Noise Information Office at (949) 252-5185.
Construction within noise contour zones without meeting sound insulation requirements may result in building permit denial. FAA governs in-flight operations exclusively. Ground-level airport-related noise complaints follow standard CMMC noise provisions.
Costa Mesa, CA
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Costa Mesa, CA
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Costa Mesa, CA
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Costa Mesa, CA
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Costa Mesa, CA
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Costa Mesa, CA
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Orange County.
See how other cities in Orange County handle aircraft noise.
See how Costa Mesa's aircraft noise rules stack up against other locations.
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