Grass Valley, CA Noise Ordinances: Aircraft Noise (2026)

The County of Nevada (California) addresses aircraft noise through land-use compatibility rather than direct control of aircraft, because flight operations are federally regulated by the FAA. The General Plan Noise Element directs the County to protect people near the Nevada County Airport and the Truckee Tahoe Airport by implementing appropriate noise-compatibility policies and avoiding the establishment of noise-sensitive land uses in areas exposed to significant aircraft noise (Policy 9.1.20). The County ensures compatible development next to the Nevada County Airport by enforcing the noise criteria in the Nevada County Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan adopted by the Nevada County Airport Land Use Commission on September 21, 2011 (Policy 9.1.21), and around the Truckee Tahoe Airport by implementing the Truckee Tahoe Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan adopted October 19, 2010 (Policy 9.1.22). The County continues to enforce noise criteria consistent with those airport land-use commission policies, considering federal and state regulations, ambient noise levels, and how noise intrudes on particular uses (Policy 9.1.23). In practice this means new homes, schools, and other sensitive uses near the airports are reviewed for compatibility, and sound-attenuation measures may be required, rather than restrictions placed on individual aircraft.