Kern County, CA Noise Ordinances: Aircraft Noise (2026)
Key Facts
- County Aircraft Ordinance
- None (federally preempted)
- Meadows Field Program
- FAR Part 150: approved 9/18/2008
- Federal Register
- 73 Fed. Reg. 62,640 (Oct. 21, 2008)
- Noise Hotline
- (661) 391-1849
- Preferential Runways
- 30L / 30R (informal)
Summary
Kern County does not impose local aircraft-overflight noise restrictions; aircraft noise is federally preempted by the FAA. The county participates in a FAR Part 150 Noise Compatibility Program for Meadows Field Airport (BFL), approved by the FAA effective September 18, 2008.
The County of Kern submitted to the FAA on May 23, 2008, the noise exposure maps, descriptions, and other documentation produced during the noise compatibility planning study conducted from January 2005 through April 2008 ... The FAA has formally received the noise compatibility program for Meadows Field Airport, also effective on June 19, 2008.
Full Breakdown
§ 40103 and 14 CFR Part 91) preempts local rules on aircraft operations in flight. ) and 14 CFR Part 150. The FAA approved the program effective September 18, 2008 (73 Fed. Reg. 62,640, October 21, 2008). Approved measures include continued voluntary policies that limit turbojet training operations and informal preferential use of Runways 30L/30R for noise abatement. , crop dusters, military overflights) must be directed to the FAA, not the county. State-level noise standards for airports are set by California Code of Regulations Title 21, § 5000 et seq. (Airport Noise Standards).
Violations & Fines
There are no county penalties for aircraft overflight noise; federal law governs. Ground operations at Meadows Field are subject to airport rules and the noise-compatibility measures adopted by the airport sponsor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Kern County regulate how low aircraft fly over my house?
How do I complain about Meadows Field aircraft noise?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Kern County
California rules heatmap·Compare Kern County to another location·View the California noise ordinances overview
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