Aircraft noise near Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT) is governed by federal FAA regulations, which preempt local noise ordinances. The Fresno County Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan establishes noise contours and land use restrictions around FAT and smaller county airports.
Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT) and several smaller airports in Fresno County generate aircraft noise governed primarily by federal law. Under FAA preemption, local governments cannot directly regulate aircraft operations, flight paths, or airport hours. The Fresno County Airport Land Use Commission (ALUC) maintains the Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan (ALUCP), which maps noise contours around FAT and establishes compatibility zones. New residential development within the 60 dB CNEL contour faces restrictions. Properties within the 65 dB CNEL contour are generally considered incompatible with residential use. The county also has several smaller airports (Coalinga, Firebaugh, Reedley, Sierra Sky Park) with their own compatibility zones. FAT has voluntary nighttime noise abatement procedures encouraging use of certain runways to minimize residential impact. Noise complaints are logged by the airport authority but operational changes require FAA approval.
No local penalties for aircraft noise -- FAA preemption applies. Land use violations for incompatible development within noise contours enforced by Fresno County with stop-work orders and permit denial.
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See how Fresno County's aircraft noise rules stack up against other locations.
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