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Cowlitz County, WA Noise Ordinances: Aircraft Noise (2026)

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

Key Facts

Exempted sounds
Aircraft in flight, airport flight ops
Governing section
CCC § 10.25.050(A)(1)
Condition
Must comply with applicable regulations
Effect
Not a noise disturbance under Ch. 10.25

Summary

Cowlitz County's noise code does not restrict aircraft: CCC § 10.25.050(A)(1) exempts 'sounds that originate from aircraft in flight, and sounds that originate at airports and are directly related to flight operations,' so long as the operation complies with all applicable regulations.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Cowlitz County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

The following sounds are exempt from the provisions of this chapter: ... Sounds that originate from aircraft in flight, and sounds that originate at airports and are directly related to flight operations; provided, that such operations are in compliance with all applicable regulations;

View official code

Full Breakdown

050, and the first is aircraft. 040. 060, has no jurisdiction to cite a compliant flight operation as a noise violation under this chapter.

Violations & Fines

Because § 10.25.050(A)(1) conditions the exemption on compliance with 'all applicable regulations,' a flight operation that violates FAA or state aviation noise rules loses the exemption and can be pursued as an ordinary public noise disturbance under § 10.25.040, carrying the same $75.00 first-offense civil infraction that rises to $150.00 and $300.00 for repeat violations under § 10.25.070(B).

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Cowlitz County have a local aircraft noise ordinance?
No. CCC § 10.25.050(A)(1) exempts sounds from aircraft in flight and from airports directly related to flight operations from the county's noise disturbance rules, so long as the operations comply with applicable FAA and state aviation regulations.
Can a resident file a noise complaint over airport flight operations?
Not under Chapter 10.25 CCC. Section 10.25.040(C) states that no source exempted under § 10.25.050 can be found a public noise disturbance, and § 10.25.050(A)(1) exempts sounds directly related to flight operations, so a compliant flight cannot be cited.
What happens if a flight operation violates aviation noise rules?
It loses the CCC § 10.25.050(A)(1) exemption, since the exemption is conditioned on compliance with 'all applicable regulations.' A noncompliant operation can then be pursued as a public noise disturbance under § 10.25.040, subject to the standard civil infraction schedule.
Does the aircraft exemption cover all airport activity?
No. CCC § 10.25.050(A)(1) exempts only sounds from aircraft in flight and sounds 'directly related to flight operations.' Airport ground equipment or hangar work unrelated to flight operations remains subject to the general public noise disturbance rules in § 10.25.040.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Cowlitz County

Quiet HoursSome RestrictionsConstruction HoursSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Chickens & LivestockSome RestrictionsFire Regulations: Fire Pits & Backyard FiresSome RestrictionsVehicle NoiseSome RestrictionsAmplified Music & Outdoor SoundSome RestrictionsBarking DogsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: EV ChargingSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: BeekeepingSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Veterinary Clinic ZoningSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Pet Groomer RulesSome Restrictions

All Cowlitz County rules

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