Aircraft noise is not controlled by the Monterey County noise ordinance: County Code Sec. 10.60.030 expressly states its prohibition 'shall not apply to aircraft.' Aircraft operations are regulated by the FAA, with voluntary noise-abatement programs run by the Monterey Peninsula Airport District at Monterey Regional Airport, including preferred runways and a voluntary overnight non-operation period.
Aircraft are explicitly excluded from local noise enforcement in unincorporated Monterey County. Section 10.60.030 of the County Code states that its prohibition on noise-producing devices 'shall not apply to aircraft.' Aircraft noise and flight operations are within the exclusive authority of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA); the local airport authority cannot override Air Traffic Control directions or dictate flight paths. At Monterey Regional Airport, the Monterey Peninsula Airport District runs voluntary noise-management measures within these federal constraints, including a Voluntary Fly Quiet program. Published recommendations include preferred runways (arrivals on Runway 28 L/R, departures on Runway 10 R/L), altitude and turn procedures to route aircraft over water and away from residential areas, and a voluntary non-operation period from midnight until 5:00 a.m. local time for non-exempt aircraft (emergencies, military, and commercial carriers remain exempt). The District accepts noise complaints through its Operations Department but emphasizes that the measures are voluntary and do not supersede ATC directions or safety. Residents bothered by aircraft noise in unincorporated areas should direct complaints to the airport district rather than County code enforcement.
There is no County noise-ordinance citation for aircraft noise because Sec. 10.60.030 exempts aircraft and federal law preempts local regulation of flight operations. The Monterey Peninsula Airport District's Fly Quiet measures, preferred runways, and overnight non-operation period are voluntary and are not enforced through fines; complaints are logged through the District's Operations Department.
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