Murfreesboro, TN Noise Ordinances: Aircraft Noise (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing exemption
- Code § 21-109(A)(5)
- Covers
- FAA-regulated aircraft, ATC instructions
- Distress aircraft
- Also exempt regardless of cause
- City enforcement
- None: federal law controls
Summary
Murfreesboro's noise ordinance exempts aircraft operated under FAA regulations and air traffic control instructions from its sound-level limits, deferring entirely to federal aviation noise rules rather than imposing its own restrictions on aircraft noise within city limits.
Sounds caused by sources regulated as to sound production by federal law, including, but not limited to, any aircraft operated in conformity with, or pursuant to federal law, Federal Aviation Administration regulations, and the instructions of an air traffic controller. Any aircraft operating under technical difficulties, in any kind of distress, under emergency order of air traffic control, or being operated pursuant to and subsequent to the declaration of an emergency under Federal Aviation Administration regulations shall also be exempt from the provisions of this Article.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 18 Update 1).
Full Breakdown
Murfreesboro's Noise Article (Code §§ 21-101 et seq.) sets maximum sound levels for construction, power tools, vehicles, and other activities citywide. Code § 21-109(A) lists general exemptions that apply regardless of when or where the sound occurs. Subsection (A)(5) exempts sounds from sources regulated by federal law, expressly naming aircraft operated in conformity with FAA regulations or air traffic controller instructions. Aircraft operating under technical difficulties, in distress, under an emergency ATC order, or under an FAA-declared emergency are also exempt. In practice, the City does not regulate aircraft noise at all: federal aviation law controls.
Violations & Fines
Not applicable: aircraft noise is exempt from City enforcement. Complaints about aircraft sound are referred to federal authorities; the City's Noise Control Officer does not cite aircraft operators under this Article.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Murfreesboro regulate aircraft noise?
What if a plane is in distress or has technical problems?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Murfreesboro
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