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Los Angeles, CA Noise Ordinances: Aircraft Noise (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

Key Facts

Permit required
Fire Department permit under LAMC Div. 5, Art. 7, Ch. 5
Default daily limit
3 landings/takeoffs per location
RA/R/C1/CR zones
Prohibited except ≤2/year for LAPD or LAUSD educational events

Summary

Helicopter landings and takeoffs in Los Angeles require a Fire Department permit in most zones, are limited to 3 per day per location by default, and are prohibited entirely in RA, R, C1, and CR zones except for up to 2 LAPD- or LAUSD-sponsored educational events per calendar year.

6. Infrequent Helicopter Landings. (Amended by Ord. No. 150,623, Eff. 4/13/78.) Notwithstanding any provision of this article to the contrary, helicopters may land and take off in any zone except RA, R, C1 and CR Zones, provided that a permit therefore has first been obtained from the Fire Department under the provisions of Division 5, Article 7 of Chapter 5 of this Code. Such helicopter landings and takeoffs shall not exceed three per day in or upon any single location or premises except that the Fire Department may permit as many such landings and takeoffs in or upon any single location or premises in a day as it determines are required by the individual nature of each such helicopter use, including occasions of civic interest, and are consistent with the public health, safety, general welfare and intent of this article. In the RA, R, C1 or CR Zones helicopters may land and take off in or upon any single location not more than two times per calendar year in a park, school ground or other similar type of public open space, for educational programs sponsored by the Los Angeles Police Department or the Los Angeles City Unified School District, provided that the Fire Department permit referred to above has first been obtained. The provisions of this subdivision shall not be construed or interpreted as permitting the establishment of a regularly operating airport, aircraft landing field, heliport or helistop.

Source: FAA Los Angeles Helicopter Noise InitiativeView official code

Full Breakdown

LAMC § 12.22 A.6 allows infrequent helicopter operations citywide subject to a Fire Department permit obtained under LAMC Division 5, Article 7, Chapter 5. Without special Fire Department authorization, no more than 3 landings or takeoffs may occur per day at any single location. The Fire Department may permit more when the individual nature of the use, including occasions of civic interest, warrants it and is consistent with public health, safety, and welfare. In RA, R, C1, and CR zones, helicopter operations are barred entirely except for a narrow carve-out: up to 2 landings per calendar year at a park, school ground, or similar public open space for educational programs sponsored by LAPD or LAUSD, again requiring the Fire Department permit. The subdivision does not authorize a regularly operating airport, heliport, or helistop, and does not restrict emergency helicopter landing facilities required under LAMC § 57.4705.

Violations & Fines

Landing or taking off in RA, R, C1, or CR zones more than twice per year (or other than LAPD/LAUSD educational events); exceeding 3 operations per day at any location without Fire Department authorization; operating without a Fire Department permit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a helicopter land in a residential zone for a film production?
Not in RA or R zones (which cover most single-family residential areas) except for the narrow LAPD/LAUSD carve-out. Other zones require a Fire Department permit and may not exceed 3 operations per day without special approval.
Does this ordinance restrict emergency medical helicopter landings?
No. Emergency helicopter landing facilities required under LAMC § 57.4705 are explicitly exempt from this subdivision.

Sources & Official References

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Aircraft Noise in Nearby Cities

How other cities in Los Angeles County handle aircraft noise.

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