Pierce County, WA Noise Ordinances: Aircraft Noise (2026)
Key Facts
- Aircraft-in-flight status
- Exempt (PCC 8.76.070.D.2)
- Primary authority
- FAA / U.S. military
- Nearby facilities
- JBLM, Sea-Tac paths
- County-regulated
- Only non-flight engine testing
- Complaints
- FAA, Port of Seattle, JBLM
Summary
Aircraft noise is exempt from Pierce County's noise code. PCC 8.76.070.D.2 exempts sounds from aircraft in flight and airport flight operations. With Joint Base Lewis-McChord and Sea-Tac flight paths overhead, jet and military aircraft noise is governed by the FAA and military, not the county.
Sounds originating from aircraft in flight and sounds that originate at airports which are directly related to flight operations…
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance 2026-515, and legislation passed through May 26, 2026).
Full Breakdown
PCC 8.76.070.D.2 exempts from the county limits 'sounds originating from aircraft in flight and sounds that originate at airports which are directly related to flight operations.' Only non-flight aircraft engine testing is regulated, and even that is exempt by day (7 a.m.-10 p.m.) under PCC 8.76.070.A.4, which directs testing to remote sites where possible. This mirrors federal law: the FAA has exclusive authority over aircraft in navigable airspace, so counties cannot set aircraft noise limits. Pierce County sits under Sea-Tac approach paths and hosts Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM), whose military flight operations are governed by the Department of Defense, likewise not subject to local codes. Bothered residents should contact the operating agency, not the county.
Violations & Fines
There is no county enforcement of in-flight aircraft noise; it is preempted. The Noise Control Officer can address only ground-based, non-flight engine testing that exceeds nighttime limits. For civilian aircraft, contact the FAA; for military aircraft, contact JBLM.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Pierce County limit aircraft or jet noise?
Who do I call about military aircraft from JBLM?
Is any aircraft-related noise regulated locally?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Pierce County
Compare Pierce County to another location·View the Washington noise ordinances overview
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