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Modesto, CA Noise Ordinances: Aircraft Noise (2026)

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

Key Facts

Local Aircraft Exemption
Modesto MC § 4-9.104(f)
Federal Authority
14 CFR Part 150 (FAA)
State Standard
21 CCR § 5012: 65 dB CNEL airport-noise standard
Airport
Modesto City-County Airport (MOD)
Compatibility Plan
Stanislaus County Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan (Oct. 2016)

Summary

Modesto's noise ordinance expressly exempts aircraft and railroad operations; aircraft noise around Modesto City-County Airport is governed by federal FAA rules and the Stanislaus County Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan.

The term 'loud and raucous noise' as used in this chapter does not include noise or sound generated by the following: … (f) Locomotives and other railroad equipment, and aircraft.

View official code

Full Breakdown

Modesto Municipal Code § 4-9.104(f) lists 'locomotives and other railroad equipment, and aircraft' among the exempted noise sources, meaning the city's loud-and-raucous standard does not apply to aircraft operations. Aircraft noise is instead regulated at the federal level by the Federal Aviation Administration under 14 CFR Part 150 and California Airport Noise Standards in Title 21 CCR § 5000 et seq., which set a 65 dB CNEL community-noise standard for the area around airports. Modesto City-County Airport (MOD) is the general-aviation and limited commercial facility in the southeastern part of the city; its noise contours are mapped in the Stanislaus County Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan and implemented through City General Plan Noise Policy Noise-12, which requires new construction to meet the airport's noise compatibility standards.

Violations & Fines

Aircraft operators cannot be cited under Modesto's noise ordinance because of the § 4-9.104(f) exemption. Aircraft noise complaints are directed to the FAA and the airport operator; nearby land use compatibility is enforced through the Airport Land Use Commission rather than code-enforcement citations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I sue my neighbor for noise from a small aircraft over my house?
Not under Modesto's municipal code. Section 4-9.104(f) exempts aircraft from the city's noise rules. Aircraft noise complaints should be made to the FAA and the Modesto City-County Airport; the California 65 dB CNEL airport-noise standard governs land-use compatibility, not in-flight operations.
Are residences inside the airport's noise contour considered noise-impacted?
The City's Master EIR notes residences fall within the 60 dBA CNEL contour of Modesto City-County Airport but not within the 65 dBA CNEL contour (the state's airport-noise standard threshold under 21 CCR § 5012).

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Modesto

Quiet HoursSome RestrictionsConstruction HoursSignificant RestrictionsAmplified Music & Outdoor SoundSome RestrictionsVehicle NoiseSome RestrictionsLeaf Blower RulesSignificant RestrictionsBarking DogsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Abandoned VehiclesSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Cat RulesSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Veterinary Clinic ZoningSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Pet Groomer RulesSome RestrictionsSign Regulations: Freeway-Facing SignsSignificant RestrictionsSign Regulations: Window SignsSome Restrictions

All Modesto rules

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