Medford, OR Noise Ordinances: Aircraft Noise (2026)

349 of the Medford Land Development Code establishes the Airport Approach Overlay (A-A) District to reduce risks from aircraft operations and manage noise-compatible land use near Medford Municipal Airport (Rogue Valley International-Medford Airport). The ordinance divides noise exposure into tiers measured in day-night average sound level (DNL), based on the Airport Master Plan Update. The "severe" noise impact area, 70 DNL and above, is intended to remain airport property only, meaning no private development is contemplated there at all. The "substantial" impact area, 65 to 70 DNL, is explicitly identified as incompatible with residential development because of noise; if public institutions such as schools or assembly halls are proposed there, the code directs that noise-reduction measures be taken.

Below 65 DNL, the code states most land uses are considered compatible. The A-A Overlay also bars entire use categories outright regardless of noise tier: places of public assembly (churches, schools, conference centers, arenas, stadiums), high-density residential development, and any new residential development within the Runway Protection Zone (RPZ) are prohibited uses under subsection (7). The overlay is mapped on the City's official zoning map per Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR Part 77, OAR 660-013, and OAR 738-070), and where its rules conflict with the underlying zoning district, the A-A Overlay controls.

The Planning Department administers overlay compliance through the standard land use application and site plan review process; a property owner proposing development within the mapped A-A boundary must demonstrate compatibility with these noise and use restrictions before a permit is issued.