Fargo, ND Noise Ordinances: Aircraft Noise (2026)
Key Facts
- Noise limit
- 88 dB(A) over the city
- Governing section
- Fargo Municipal Code § 11-0206
- Federal exemption
- FAA-compliant flights exempt, § 11-0207(F)
- Violation class
- Infraction, fine up to $1,000
- Each day
- Treated as a separate offense
Summary
Fargo Municipal Code § 11-0206 makes it unlawful to operate any aircraft, including helicopters, over the city producing noise above 88 dB(A), though flights conducted under FAA rules are exempt.
It shall be unlawful for any person to operate or cause to be operated any type of aircraft over the city which produces noise levels exceeding 88 dB(A) within the city.
Source: 2017 (1981).
11-0207. - Exemptions. The following uses and activities shall be exempt from noise level regulations:
A.Noises of safety signals, warning devices, and emergency relief valves.B.Noises resulting from any authorized emergency vehicles, when responding to an emergency call or acting in time of emergency.C.Noises resulting from emergency work as defined in § 11-0201(10).D.Any construction or maintenance activities at the construction or maintenance site.E.Any other noise resulting from activities of a temporary duration permitted by law and for which a license or permit therefor has been granted by the city in accordance with § 11-0208 or § 11-0209.F.Any aircraft operated in conformity with, or pursuant to, federal law, federal air regulations, and air traffic control instruction used pursuant to and with the duly adopted federal air regulations shall be exempt from the provisions of § 11-0206 as well as other regulations of this section.
Full Breakdown
Under § 11-0206, it's unlawful to operate or cause to be operated any type of aircraft over Fargo that produces noise levels exceeding 88 dB(A) within the city. But § 11-0207(F) exempts any aircraft operated in conformity with federal law, FAA regulations, and air traffic control instructions, which covers essentially all normal helicopter and airplane operations, since aviation is federally regulated airspace. The exemption also covers aircraft in distress or under emergency ATC orders.
Violations & Fines
Exceeding 88 dB(A) is an infraction under § 1-0305(B), punishable per § 1-0301 with a fine up to $1,000; each day of continuing violation is a separate offense. Federally compliant flights are exempt under § 11-0207(F).
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Fargo's aircraft noise limit apply to helicopters flying under normal FAA rules?
What's the penalty for exceeding Fargo's 88 dB(A) aircraft noise cap?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Fargo
Compare Fargo to another location·View the North Dakota noise ordinances overview
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