Aircraft noise in Colorado is governed almost entirely by federal aviation law, and state and local governments cannot directly regulate flight operations, though airport proprietors have limited authority.
Federal law under 49 U.S.C. 40103 and 14 C.F.R. Part 91 preempts state and local regulation of aircraft in flight, including noise from takeoffs, landings, and overflights. Colorado does not impose decibel limits on aircraft, and C.R.S. 25-12-103 expressly excludes aircraft from its noise abatement scheme. Airport proprietors, including Denver International and other municipal airports, may establish reasonable, non-discriminatory operating restrictions through FAA-approved Part 161 procedures, but cities and counties cannot enforce general noise ordinances against aircraft. Complaints are routed through airport noise offices and the FAA.
Local noise enforcement against aircraft is generally invalid; complaints must be directed to the FAA or to airport proprietors who may impose airport-specific operating curfews subject to federal review.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Denver, CO
Denver's Zoning Code allows residential lawn ornaments and statuary without permits provided they do not exceed accessory-structure height limits in DZC Arti...
Denver, CO
Denver does not regulate residential inflatable holiday decorations by size or type. Blower-motor noise falls under DRMC 36-6 (Noise) limits, lighted inflata...
Denver, CO
Denver has no ordinance restricting when residents may put up or take down holiday lights. DRMC Chapter 36 (Noise) governs amplified outdoor displays, DZC Ar...
Denver, CO
Built-in outdoor kitchens in Denver require permits from Community Planning and Development whenever the project includes gas piping, electrical, plumbing, o...
Denver, CO
Backyard wood and pellet smokers are allowed at single-family Denver homes but are governed by DRMC Chapter 4 (Air Pollution Control) and Colorado Department...
Denver, CO
Denver Fire Code (DRMC Title 9, adopting IFC 2018 with amendments) Section 308.1.4 prohibits charcoal grills and LP-gas containers over 1 lb on combustible b...
See how Denver's aircraft noise rules stack up against other locations.
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