Livonia, MI Noise Ordinances: Aircraft Noise (2026)
Key Facts
- Covered devices
- Model aircraft, RC planes, drones
- Standard
- Loud, harsh, intense or continuous noise disturbing others
- Who designates flying zones
- Superintendent of parks and recreation
- Full-scale aircraft
- Not covered; FAA jurisdiction
- Maximum penalty
- $500 misdemeanor fine per day
Summary
Livonia's noise ordinance targets model aircraft, drones and similar flying contrivances that produce loud, harsh or continuous noise disturbing people nearby. Flying is confined to areas and times the parks and recreation superintendent designates; the code does not regulate full-scale airport aircraft, which fall under federal FAA jurisdiction.
20.Model Aircraft. The using, running, operating or flying or the permitting to be used, run, operated or flown of any model aircraft or similar contrivance now known or hereinafter invented, used or designed for flight in the air, in such a manner that there is produced loud, harsh, intense or continuous noise which disturbs the peace, quiet, comfort or repose of any person except in areas and at times designated by the superintendent of parks and recreation who is hereby authorized to designate areas and times where and when such model aircraft may be run or flown without annoyance to the persons in the vicinity;
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 64 | Zoning: Supplement 3).
Full Breakdown
070(B)(20) of the noise control ordinance prohibits using, running, operating or flying "any model aircraft or similar contrivance now known or hereinafter invented, used or designed for flight in the air" in a manner producing loud, harsh, intense or continuous noise that disturbs the peace, quiet, comfort or repose of any person. The rule reaches radio-controlled planes, helicopters and drones alike since it covers any flying contrivance rather than a specific device type. Rather than a flat ban, the ordinance channels the activity: the superintendent of parks and recreation is authorized to designate specific areas and times where model aircraft may be run or flown without causing annoyance to nearby residents, effectively creating city-sanctioned flying zones outside of which the noise-disturbance standard controls.
This provision sits inside the broader noise chapter, so it is enforced the same way as the chapter's other prohibited acts: through the noise control director rather than a separate zoning or aviation authority. Full-scale, powered aircraft using regional airspace are regulated by the Federal Aviation Administration, and Livonia's general code contains no local ordinance addressing airport or overflight noise from manned aircraft; the only codified "aircraft noise" provision in the city's code is this model-aircraft rule.
Violations & Fines
Violating Section 8.32.070(B)(20), like any Chapter 8.32 prohibited act, exposes the operator to a director-issued violation notice under Section 8.32.050 and, if unresolved, prosecution as a misdemeanor carrying a fine of up to $500 under Section 8.32.050(H), with each day of continued noise a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Livonia regulate noise from planes flying over the city?
Can I fly a drone anywhere in Livonia?
Who decides where model aircraft can be flown in Livonia?
What is the penalty for violating the model aircraft noise rule?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Livonia
Compare Livonia to another location·View the Michigan noise ordinances overview
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