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Huntsville, AL Noise Ordinances: Aircraft Noise (2026)

Few Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Aircraft noise limits
Exempt from Sec. 12-265 dB(A) caps
Governing exemption
Sec. 12-262(10), Huntsville Code of Ordinances
Who enforces instead
FAA, not the city noise officer
Airport-specific zoning
Art. 63 Airport Obstruction and Noise Exposure District

Summary

Huntsville's noise ordinance exempts aircraft entirely from the city's decibel limits, leaving aircraft noise regulated by the FAA rather than local code enforcement.

The sound levels in section 12-265 shall not apply to sounds emitted from the following:...(10)Aircraft.(11)Animals.(12)Reserved.(13)Noise sources within multifamily dwellings, office and apartment complexes, condominiums and similar structures occupied by more than one tenant which impact only those persons within the same dwelling, complex or building.

Source: Huntsville International AirportView official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 30 Update 2).

Full Breakdown

Section 12-262 of the Huntsville City Code lists sounds that are exempt from the community noise level limits set in Section 12-265 -- and aircraft sit right on that list alongside emergency sirens, refuse trucks and construction equipment. That means the noise control officer can't cite an aircraft operator for exceeding the 55/50 dB(A) residential caps that apply to other sound sources. Airport-area noise falls instead under the Airport Obstruction and Noise Exposure District regulations and federal FAA rules, not the general nuisance-noise code enforced against everyday sound complaints.

Violations & Fines

None locally -- aircraft noise can't be cited under Section 12-265's decibel limits or Section 12-237's general noise prohibition; report persistent airport-area noise complaints to the FAA or Huntsville International Airport Authority instead.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I file a noise complaint against aircraft flying over my Huntsville home?
Not under the city's noise ordinance -- Section 12-262(10) exempts aircraft from the sound-level limits in Section 12-265. Airport and flight noise falls under FAA rules and the Airport Obstruction and Noise Exposure District, not city noise enforcement.
Why doesn't Huntsville regulate aircraft noise like other loud sounds?
Aviation noise is federally preempted -- the FAA sets flight paths, altitudes and airport noise-compatibility standards, so the city's noise code (Sec. 12-262) exempts aircraft rather than impose local decibel limits it can't legally enforce.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Huntsville

Parking Rules: Street Parking LimitsSome RestrictionsQuiet HoursSome RestrictionsConstruction HoursSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Dog Leash LawsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: RV & Boat ParkingSome RestrictionsLeaf Blower RulesSome RestrictionsAmplified Music & Outdoor SoundSome RestrictionsDecibel LimitsSome RestrictionsVehicle NoiseSome RestrictionsBarking DogsSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Material RestrictionsSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Veterinary Clinic ZoningSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: MicrochippingSome Restrictions

All Huntsville rules

Compare Huntsville to another location·View the Alabama noise ordinances overview

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