Kings County, CA Noise Ordinances: Aircraft Noise (2026)
Key Facts
- Noise threshold
- 70 CNEL or greater contour
- Restriction
- No new residential development
- Applies to
- Hanford Airport & military airfields
- Governing plan
- Kings County ALUC Plan
- Zone A limit
- 0 du/ac, high risk/noise
Summary
Kings County bars new residential development inside the 70 CNEL or greater noise contour of the Hanford Airport or any military airfield, airport, or helipad in the county.
New residential development is prohibited when proposed within the 70 Community Noise Equivalent Level (CNEL) or greater noise contours for any military airfield, airport or helipad within Kings County.
Full Breakdown
The county's Aviation Land Use Compatibility Overlay Zone (ACOZ) covers the airport compatibility areas around Hanford Airport. Development Code § 1005(B)(1) flatly prohibits new residential construction within the 70 Community Noise Equivalent Level (CNEL) or greater contour of any military airfield, airport or helipad countywide. The ACOZ further maps five sub-zones (A through D, Table 10-1) running from the Runway Protection Zone to Other Airport Environs, each carrying its own density cap and list of prohibited uses tied to the Kings County Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan and the 2035 General Plan.
Violations & Fines
Violating the ACOZ noise-contour restrictions is an infraction under Development Code § 2403; a second violation of the same provision within 12 months becomes a misdemeanor at the D.A.'s discretion, with each continuing day a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I build a new house near Hanford Airport?
What are the ACOZ sub-zones around the airport?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Kings County
California rules heatmap·Compare Kings County to another location·View the California noise ordinances overview
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