Durham, NC Noise Ordinances: Aircraft Noise (2026)

The Airport Overlay (-A60, -A65) runs under UDO § 4.8 and covers property mapped near Raleigh-Durham International Airport in both the City of Durham and unincorporated Durham County, since the two suboverlays follow the airport's own noise contours rather than the city limit (§ 4.8.2). The -A65 suboverlay sits inside the 65 Ldn contour and the -A60 suboverlay between the 60 and 65 Ldn contours. Inside -A65, only agricultural, residential, and public/civic utility uses are allowed; -A60 permits everything the underlying zoning district allows except outdoor firing ranges (§ 4.8.3).

Any new residential development anywhere in the overlay must prove interior aircraft noise exposure will not exceed 45 Ldn, verified by an acoustical engineer or a board-certified member of the Institute of Noise Control Engineering, using measures such as building orientation, added landscaping, or noise-rated walls, windows, doors, roofs, floors, or ceilings (§ 4.8.4). Developers must also notify home buyers -- typically via a note on the recorded plat or deed -- that the property may be exposed to Raleigh-Durham Airport aircraft noise, and must grant the Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority a perpetual, unsubordinated avigation easement for overflight before the Planning Director will approve a site plan or preliminary/minor plat (§ 4.8.4).

The Airport Authority reviews special use permits, variances, zoning map changes, subdivisions, and site plans in the overlay before the city or county issues a decision, and its own airspace regulations override the UDO wherever they're stricter (§ 4.8.4). Lighting that could mislead pilots and any structure or sign height that would obstruct takeoff or landing are also prohibited (§ 4.8.3).