Durham is affected by RDU Airport flight paths 15 miles southeast. Federal law (ANCA) preempts local regulation, but RDU runs a voluntary noise abatement program established in 1989.
RDU Airport Authority has operated a noise abatement program since 1989 to minimize aircraft noise impact on surrounding communities including Durham. Under the federal Airport Noise and Capacity Act of 1990 (ANCA), local governments cannot impose operational curfews or access restrictions without FAA approval. RDU has no curfew in effect. Airport District Zoning adopted in the 1960s prohibits residential development and noise-sensitive land uses near the ends of the two parallel runways. Under the NC Residential Property Disclosure Act, homes within areas where average daily noise equals or exceeds 55 dBA (per the RDU Composite Noise Contour Map) must include noise disclosure in sales contracts. Durham residents can file aircraft noise complaints through the RDU noise complaint system online.
Aircraft noise is federally regulated and not subject to Durham municipal noise citations. RDU tracks noise complaints through its online system. There are no fines or penalties that Durham can impose for aircraft noise. Residential property disclosure violations under NC law may result in civil liability for sellers who fail to disclose airport noise exposure.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Durham, NC
Durham UDO Section 9.9 limits residential fences to 4 feet in front yards and 8 feet in side and rear yards. Corner lots face additional restrictions along s...
Durham, NC
Durham does not require a permit for most residential fences or walls. Permits are required for retaining walls, pool barriers on single-family parcels, prop...
Durham, NC
Durham UDO Section 9.9 sets general fence standards including setbacks, orientation, and vision-clearance rules. Fences between structures and streets within...
Durham, NC
Durham requires a building permit for all retaining walls. Retaining walls over 4 feet at street frontage must be terraced in Design Districts. Walls over 8 ...
Durham, NC
Durham UDO 9.9 prohibits razor wire, concertina wire, and barbed wire in residential districts. Uncoated chain link is banned in CI and Design Districts.
Durham, NC
Durham adopts NC Building Code pool barrier standards requiring 48-inch barriers around residential pools. Pool fences on single-family parcels need a buildi...
See how Durham's aircraft noise rules stack up against other locations.
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