Monterey County, CA Noise Ordinances: Aircraft Noise (2026)

Aircraft are explicitly excluded from local noise enforcement in unincorporated Monterey County. Section 10.60.030 of the County Code states that its prohibition on noise-producing devices 'shall not apply to aircraft.' Aircraft noise and flight operations are within the exclusive authority of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA); the local airport authority cannot override Air Traffic Control directions or dictate flight paths. At Monterey Regional Airport, the Monterey Peninsula Airport District runs voluntary noise-management measures within these federal constraints, including a Voluntary Fly Quiet program. Published recommendations include preferred runways (arrivals on Runway 28 L/R, departures on Runway 10 R/L), altitude and turn procedures to route aircraft over water and away from residential areas, and a voluntary non-operation period from midnight until 5:00 a.m. local time for non-exempt aircraft (emergencies, military, and commercial carriers remain exempt). The District accepts noise complaints through its Operations Department but emphasizes that the measures are voluntary and do not supersede ATC directions or safety. Residents bothered by aircraft noise in unincorporated areas should direct complaints to the airport district rather than County code enforcement.