Hennepin County, MN Noise Ordinances: Aircraft Noise (2026)
Key Facts
- Operator
- Metropolitan Airports Commission
- State authority
- Minn. Stat. 473.601
- Mitigation program
- Residential Sound Insulation
- Counties served
- Hennepin and Anoka
Summary
Aircraft noise around Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport is governed by federal FAA rules and the Metropolitan Airports Commission, with mitigation programs across south Hennepin and Anoka County.
This section may be cited as the "Metropolitan Area Aircraft Noise Attenuation Act."
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Subd. 2.Definitions.
For purposes of this section, "metropolitan area" has the meaning given it in section 473.121, subdivision 2. "Transportation policy plan" means the plan adopted by the Metropolitan Council pursuant to section 473.145. "Municipality" has the meaning provided by section 462.352, subdivision 2.
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Subd. 3.Ordinance.
A municipality in the metropolitan area that, in part or in whole, is within the aircraft noise zones designated in the transportation policy plan may adopt and enforce ordinances and controls to regulate building construction methods and materials for the purpose of attenuating aircraft noise in habitable buildings in and around the noise zone.
Full Breakdown
MSP Airport sits at the Hennepin and Anoka county boundary and is operated by the Metropolitan Airports Commission under Minn. Stat. 473.601 and following sections. Aircraft noise is regulated primarily by the FAA, which preempts most local restrictions. Hennepin County communities including Bloomington, Minneapolis, Richfield, and Edina participate in the MSP Noise Oversight Committee. The MAC's Residential Sound Insulation Program funds windows, doors, and air conditioning for homes within designated DNL contours. Runway use and Eagan-Mendota Heights corridor procedures shape noise distribution. Residents can file complaints with MAC's MACNoise system.
Violations & Fines
Local enforcement is limited; complaints are tracked through MAC and can inform future runway use and mitigation decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my city ban late-night flights?
Is sound insulation still available?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Hennepin County
Compare Hennepin County to another location·View the Minnesota noise ordinances overview
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