Flagstaff, AZ Noise Ordinances: Aircraft Noise (2026)

The Flagstaff Zoning Code layers an Airport Overlay (AO) zone on top of whatever base zone already applies near the airport, so a parcel in AO is regulated by both its underlying zone and the airport noise standards at the same time. The Zoning Code splits the overlay into three impact areas measured in Ldn: AP-1 covers 60-65 Ldn, AP-2 covers 65-70 Ldn, and AP-3 covers 70-75 Ldn, with boundaries updated automatically whenever the Airport Master Plan is revised. Residential use is allowed but discouraged in AP-2 and strongly discouraged in AP-3; before the City approves housing in those bands, the applicant must show there is no viable alternative development option and a demonstrated community need.

Where the City still allows residential use, the code calls for outdoor-to-indoor Noise Level Reduction (NLR) of at least 25 dB in AP-2 and 30 dB in AP-3, built into the site plan and building design and reviewed as part of that individual approval. Community Development administers this at the permit and site-plan stage, cross-referencing Table 10-40.50.030.A, the Land Use Compatibility Guidelines table, which qualifies which uses are permitted by right versus by conditional use permit in each noise band; industrial, ranching and most recreation/education uses are allowed outright, while residential is the most restricted category. A companion Clear Zone (CZ) Area within the same overlay separately limits building heights near the runway approach.