Fresno, CA Noise Ordinances: Aircraft Noise (2026)

Aircraft and in-flight operational noise are preempted by federal law, so Fresno's Municipal Code does not - and cannot - set in-air noise limits; Noise Ordinance section 10-109(c) confirms the article does not apply to acts prohibited by state or federal law. The governing framework is the State Aeronautics Act and its regulations. California Public Utilities Code section 21669 provides that 'the department shall adopt noise standards governing the operation of aircraft and aircraft engines for airports operating under a valid permit issued by the department to an extent not prohibited by federal law,' based on 'the level of noise acceptable to a reasonable person residing in the vicinity of the airport.' Implementing that mandate, California Code of Regulations Title 21, section 5012 establishes 'the standard for the acceptable level of aircraft noise for persons living in the vicinity of airports' as 'a community noise equivalent level of 65 decibels.' Locally, Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT) - which the City of Fresno owns and operates - implements an FAA-approved Noise Compatibility Program under 14 CFR Part 150, including prohibiting large-aircraft touch-and-go activity from 2200 to 0700, noise-abatement arrival/departure procedures, and a SMART residential sound-insulation program for homes in the 65-75 dB CNEL contours. Aircraft noise complaints are directed to the airport's noise program rather than handled under the City noise ordinance.