Solano County, CA Noise Ordinances: Aircraft Noise (2026)

Solano County does not, and legally cannot, regulate in-flight aircraft operations by ordinance; aircraft operations and noise are subject to federal preemption by the FAA. Instead, the county manages aircraft noise through land-use compatibility. The Solano County Airport Land Use Commission (ALUC) prepares and applies Airport Land Use Compatibility Plans, including the Travis Air Force Base Land Use Compatibility Plan (TALUP), and reviews city and county general plans and zoning for consistency. The TALUP defines noise-compatibility zones around Travis AFB, with locations exposed to noise in excess of approximately 60 dB CNEL treated as a compatibility-restricted area where new noise-sensitive uses (such as homes, schools, and hospitals) are limited or require noise attenuation.

New development in the unincorporated areas near Travis (around Fairfield, Suisun City, and Vacaville) is reviewed for consistency with these noise contours. The county General Plan Health and Safety Element incorporates these airport-noise compatibility policies. The county zoning ordinance also requires structures to be built to avoid glare or conditions hazardous to aircraft. Complaints about specific military flight noise are directed to Travis AFB community relations, and civilian flight-noise issues to the FAA.