Daly City, CA Noise Ordinances: Aircraft Noise (2026)
Key Facts
- Main affected area
- Serramonte neighborhood
- Flyover maximums
- 85-95 dBA Lmax
- Serramonte CNEL
- 70 dBA
- Insulation rule
- Post-1993 homes in 65 CNEL contour
- ALUCP
- SFO plan adopted by C/CAG, Nov 2012
Summary
Aircraft departing San Francisco International Airport make the Serramonte neighborhood Daly City's main aircraft-noise area, with flyovers reaching 85-95 dBA. Municipal Code Section 15.00.130 requires homes built after 1993 within the FAA-approved 65 CNEL contour to be insulated to FAA program standards.
Another noise regulation, Section 15.00.130, states that any home constructed after 1993 and located within the 65 CNEL (FAA approved) contour of the Aircraft Noise Soundproofing Project Area Map must be insulated to meet standards applied in noise insulation programs supported by the Federal Aviation Administration. [...] The background noise in the area is 50 to 55 dBA, Leq which is relatively low. The maximum noise from aircraft flyovers often reaches 85 to 95 dBA, Lmax for a brief few seconds of the flyover. As a result, the hourly noise levels fluctuate in this neighborhood depending on airport activity. ... The CNEL at this location is 70 dBA and the Leq is 65 dBA.
Full Breakdown
Daly City's 2030 General Plan Noise Element identifies SFO, about six miles southwest, as a principal noise source: background levels in Serramonte are 50-55 dBA Leq, but westbound departures produce brief maximums of 85-95 dBA Lmax, and the measured CNEL there is 70 dBA. Municipal Code Section 15.00.130 requires any home constructed after 1993 within the 65 CNEL (FAA-approved) contour of the Aircraft Noise Soundproofing Project Area Map to be insulated to standards used in FAA-supported noise insulation programs. Regionally, C/CAG, acting as the Airport Land Use Commission, adopted the SFO Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan in November 2012; Airport Influence Area B covers much of westerly Daly City, where development is reviewed for ALUCP consistency and avigation easements may be required for conditionally compatible uses at CNEL 65 dB or greater.
Violations & Fines
Aircraft in flight are federally regulated, so the City cannot cite overflights; enforcement operates through land-use controls, including denial of inconsistent projects in Airport Influence Area B, required avigation easements, and the Section 15.00.130 insulation requirement at building permit stage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is aircraft noise worst in the Serramonte area?
Do homes near the flight path need sound insulation?
Who do I contact about SFO aircraft noise?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Daly City
California rules heatmap·Compare Daly City to another location·View the California noise ordinances overview
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