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Forsyth County, NC Noise Ordinances: Aircraft Noise (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Local aircraft decibel limit
None (FAA preempts)
Regulator
Federal Aviation Administration
Local airport
Smith Reynolds Airport
Code note
Aircraft exempt from 100-ft limit
Citation
Winston-Salem Code Sec. 46-33(d)(6)

Summary

Forsyth County and Winston-Salem set no local decibel limit on aircraft; aircraft noise and operations are regulated federally by the FAA, which preempts most local rules. Winston-Salem's sound-amplification distance limits expressly do not apply to sound issued from aircraft.

City-specific rules exist: Winston-Salem has its own aircraft noise rules that differ from Forsyth County's county-level regulations. If you live in Winston-Salem, check the city-specific page instead.

Except as otherwise provided, the volume of sound shall be controlled so that it will not be audible for a distance in excess of 100 feet from the sound truck... provided, however, that the limitation of audibility to a distance not in excess of 100 feet shall not apply to sound issued from aircraft.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 68).

Full Breakdown

The county sets no rule on aircraft engine or overflight noise; airspace and aircraft operations, including those at Smith Reynolds Airport, are controlled by the FAA under federal law, which preempts local noise limits on aircraft in flight. The only aircraft reference in the codified noise chapters is Winston-Salem Sec. 46-33(d)(6), which states that the 100-foot audibility limit on sound-amplifying equipment does not apply to sound issued from aircraft. Residents concerned about overflight noise should contact Smith Reynolds Airport or the FAA rather than the county. Ground-based amplified sound remains subject to the ordinary county and city noise rules.

Violations & Fines

No local penalty for aircraft-in-flight noise (FAA preemption); ground amplified-sound violations remain Class 3 misdemeanors up to $500.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the county limit airplane noise?
No. Aircraft in flight are regulated by the FAA under federal law, which preempts local noise ordinances. The county and Winston-Salem set no aircraft decibel limit.
Who handles overflight complaints?
Contact Smith Reynolds Airport or the FAA. Local noise ordinances apply to ground-based amplified sound, not to aircraft in flight.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Forsyth County

Parking Rules: Street Parking LimitsSome RestrictionsQuiet HoursSome RestrictionsConstruction HoursSome RestrictionsBarking DogsSome RestrictionsDecibel LimitsSome RestrictionsVehicle NoiseSome RestrictionsLeaf Blower RulesSome RestrictionsAmplified Music & Outdoor SoundSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Abandoned VehiclesSignificant RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Mandatory Spay/NeuterSome RestrictionsFire Regulations: Outdoor BurningHeavy RestrictionsFire Regulations: Brush ClearanceSome RestrictionsFire Regulations: Smoke DetectorsSome Restrictions

All Forsyth County rules

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Aircraft Noise in Cities Across Forsyth County

Winston-Salem, NC