Hayward, CA Noise Ordinances: Aircraft Noise (2026)
Key Facts
- Daytime hours
- 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
- Daytime SENEL cap
- 98-100 dB at 4 Noise Monitoring Terminals
- Nighttime hours
- 11:01 p.m. to 6:59 a.m.
- Nighttime SENEL cap
- 95-97 dB at 4 Noise Monitoring Terminals
- 2nd violation penalty
- up to $500 fine, 1-year suspension
- 3rd violation penalty
- up to $500 fine, 3-year suspension
Summary
Hayward Executive Airport caps aircraft noise under Municipal Code Section 2-6.120: daytime (7 a.m. to 11 p.m.) Single Event Noise Exposure Level limits of 98 to 100 dB, and nighttime (11:01 p.m. to 6:59 a.m.) limits of 95 to 97 dB, measured at four Noise Monitoring Terminals on Runways 28L/28R and 10R/10L. Section 2-6.121 presumes a violation from FAA takeoff noise ratings alone.
No aircraft may take off, land or otherwise operate at the Airport between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m. if it generates a Single Event Noise Exposure Level (SENEL) which exceeds the following values as measured at any one (1) of the Airport's four (4) Noise Monitoring Terminals (NMT): Runways 28L/28R: NMT #1 98, NMT #2 98, NMT #3 98, NMT #4 98. Runways 10R/10L: NMT #1 98, NMT #2 98, NMT #3 100, NMT #4 99.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Municipal Code: Supplement 28 Update 1 | Charter: Supplement 1).
Full Breakdown
Hayward Executive Airport's noise limits are keyed to Single Event Noise Exposure Level (SENEL) readings at four fixed Noise Monitoring Terminals (NMT) sited along Runways 28L/28R and 10R/10L. , at 98 dB SENEL at NMT #1, #2 and #4, and 98 to 100 dB at NMT #3 depending on runway. , to 95 dB at most terminals and 96 to 97 dB at NMT #3 and #4 on Runways 10R/10L. 120 limits, shifting the burden to the operator or instructor pilot to rebut it. Aircraft models not listed in the FAA circular may still operate if the FAA confirms the type would meet the noise limits, or if the operator passes a flight test to the Airport Director's satisfaction.
126 makes a first violation an infraction with no civil penalty, escalates a second violation within three years to up to a $500 fine or a one-year suspension of airport privileges, and a third violation within three years to up to $500 plus a three-year suspension. 5, with appeals to the Public Works Director.
Violations & Fines
A first Section 2-6.120 violation draws a citation as an infraction with no civil penalty. A second violation within three years brings a fine up to $500, an airport-privilege suspension up to one year, or both. A third violation within three years raises the suspension exposure to three years, still capped at a $500 fine. Unpaid civil penalties accrue a 10% late charge after 30 days, and the Airport Director may exclude the violator from the airport until paid, per Section 2-6.126.
Frequently Asked Questions
What counts as an aircraft noise violation at Hayward Executive Airport?
What happens after a second violation?
Does the noise ordinance apply to every aircraft type?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Hayward
California rules heatmap·Compare Hayward to another location·View the California noise ordinances overview
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