Lincoln, NE Noise Ordinances: Aircraft Noise (2026)
Key Facts
- District
- Airport Environs Noise District, Lincoln Municipal Airport
- Above 65 DNL
- Residential and sensitive uses prohibited
- 60-65 DNL
- Allowed only with acoustic soundproofing
- Easement
- Required before any building or subdivision permit
- Enforced by
- Director of Building and Safety
Summary
Lincoln bars new residential and other noise-sensitive uses above 65 DNL near the municipal airport and requires every property owner in the noise district to grant the city an avigation and noise easement before getting a permit.
All uses allowed within the Airport Environs Noise District, except as provided in Section 27.58.090, shall be conditioned upon the grant by the property owner of an avigation and noise easement. Such easement shall be a condition of subdivision, community unit plan, special permit, use permit, or building permit. The avigation and noises easement is to be submitted pursuant to the terms of this chapter and shall conform to the provisions contained in the model avigation and noise easement, a copy of which is shown in Figure 27.58.080 at the end of this chapter. (Ord. 18408 §6; August 2, 2004: prior Ord. 17752 §7; October 30, 2000: Ord. 17699 §8; July 24, 2000: Ord. 13414 §9; June 14, 1982).
Full Breakdown
Chapter 27.58 creates the Airport Environs Noise District around Lincoln Municipal Airport, mapped by DNL (day-night average sound level) contour lines. Residential, educational, religious, health, childcare, and most outdoor recreation uses are prohibited above 65 DNL. Between 60 and 65 DNL those uses are allowed only if the building incorporates acoustic features (solid-core or storm doors, multiple-glazed windows, no through-wall vents, mechanical ventilation) approved by the Director of Building and Safety. Every use in the district must also come with a granted avigation and noise easement, filed with the Register of Deeds, as a condition of any subdivision, community unit plan, special permit, use permit, or building permit.
Violations & Fines
No subdivision, special permit, use permit, or building permit may issue in the district until the executed avigation and noise easement reaches the Director of Building and Safety and is forwarded to the Airport Authority for recording.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I build a house near Lincoln's airport?
What is an avigation and noise easement?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Lincoln
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