Aircraft operated under federal law and FAA air-traffic rules are expressly exempt from Madison's noise ordinance. Aircraft noise is regulated by the FAA, not the City, though ground exhaust must still pass through a muffler.
Section 14-176(d) exempts 'aircraft operated in conformity with, or pursuant to, federal law, federal air regulations, and air traffic control instruction,' including aircraft in distress or under emergency air-traffic orders. Federal law preempts local aircraft-noise regulation, so Madison defers to the FAA for flight operations near Huntsville International Airport. On the ground, Sec. 14-173(f) still requires aircraft exhaust discharged into open air to pass through a muffler or device that effectively prevents loud or explosive noises.
No City penalty applies to lawful federally regulated flight; ground exhaust violations follow the noise-ordinance fine schedule ($100/$250/$500 plus jail).
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Madison, AL
Madison has no ordinance prohibiting backyard composting, and no permit is required. Compost simply cannot become a nuisance: property-maintenance rules requ...
Madison, AL
Madison's Zoning Ordinance prohibits synthetic or artificial material imitating turf, trees, shrubs, or other plants from being used in lieu of the plant mat...
Madison, AL
Madison does not require homeowners to use native plants. For development sites, the Zoning Ordinance requires living trees, shrubs, or ground cover approved...
Madison, AL
Madison has no ordinance restricting residential rain barrels or rainwater harvesting. The Zoning Ordinance actually encourages low-impact stormwater practic...
Madison, AL
The City of Madison does not impose a mandatory outdoor-watering ordinance. Water service is provided by Madison Utilities, whose conservation status is norm...
Madison, AL
Overgrown grass or weeds that harbor pests, create a fire hazard, spread seeds, or are unsightly may be declared a public nuisance in Madison. Separately, al...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Madison County.
See how other cities in Madison County handle aircraft noise.
See how Madison's aircraft noise rules stack up against other locations.
Quick Compare
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.