Sonoma County, CA Noise Ordinances: Aircraft Noise (2026)
Key Facts
- Controlling code
- County Code Ch. 3, Art. III (Sec. 3-40 to 3-46)
- Applies to
- Sonoma County Airport operations
- Daytime takeoff limit
- 83.2 dBA (Lmax), 6 a.m.–10 p.m.
- Nighttime takeoff limit
- 72 dBA (Lmax), 10 p.m.–6 a.m.
- First violation
- Infraction, $100 fine
- Repeat violation
- Misdemeanor, up to $1,000 / 6 months jail
Summary
This is the one true Sonoma County noise ordinance: Code Chapter 3, Article III limits aircraft noise at the County-owned Sonoma County Airport. Section 3-41 caps takeoff noise at 83.2 dBA (Lmax) during the day and 72 dBA (Lmax) at night, enforced by the Director of Aviation with fines and operating bans.
It shall be unlawful for any person to ... operate any aircraft at the airport between the hours of 6:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. which exceeds 83.2 dBA(Lmax) on takeoff; [or] between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. which exceeds 72 dBA (Lmax) on takeoff.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 64 Update 2).
Full Breakdown
The only chapter of the Sonoma County Code titled 'Noise Control' (Chapter 3, Article III, sections 3-40 through 3-46) regulates aircraft noise at the Charles M. Schulz–Sonoma County Airport, which the County owns. that exceeds 72 dBA (Lmax) on takeoff. Compliance is determined by reference to FAA Advisory Circular 36-3E takeoff noise levels, with no adjustment for gross weight. Section 3-42 lets the Director of Aviation presume that aircraft types unable to meet these limits will violate them and bar them from the airport, subject to rebuttal.
Section 3-44 sets penalties: a first violation is an infraction punishable by a $100 fine; a second or further violation within two years is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $1,000, up to six months in county jail, or both. Section 3-45 exempts government, law-enforcement, firefighting, rescue, medical-emergency and declared-emergency flights. The ordinance (Ordinance No. 5. Aircraft overflight noise generally, as opposed to airport operations, is primarily a matter of federal (FAA) jurisdiction. An excerpt appears below.
Violations & Fines
Under Code section 3-44, a first aircraft-noise violation is an infraction with a $100 fine; a second or further violation within two years is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine up to $1,000, up to six months in county jail, or both. Aircraft repeatedly violating the limits can be barred from basing at or using the airport.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Sonoma County limit aircraft noise?
What about planes flying over my house?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Sonoma County
California rules heatmap·Compare Sonoma County to another location·View the California noise ordinances overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.