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Washoe County, NV Noise Ordinances: Aircraft Noise (2026)

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

Key Facts

Standard
FAR Part 150 compatibility
Applies within
Established airport noise contours
Permit condition
Avigation easement dedication
Authority
Airport Authority of Washoe County
Aircraft noise itself
Regulated federally by FAA

Summary

Washoe County's Development Code addresses aircraft noise through land-use compatibility. Development within airport noise contours must conform to Federal Aviation Regulation Part 150 land-use guidelines, and building permits in those areas require dedicating an avigation easement to the Airport Authority of Washoe County.

City-specific rules exist: Reno has its own aircraft noise rules that differ from Washoe County's county-level regulations. If you live in Reno, check the city-specific page instead.

All development proposed within the noise contours established for any airport by the Airport Authority of Washoe County shall conform to the Federal Aviation Regulation, Part 150, Land Use Compatibility Guidelines.

View official code

Full Breakdown

Development Code Section 110.414.15 (Airport Noise) requires that all development proposed within the noise contours established for any airport by the Airport Authority of Washoe County conform to Federal Aviation Regulation Part 150, Land Use Compatibility Guidelines. Before a building permit is issued for any new structure within the established noise-contour area and flight corridors, the property owner must dedicate an avigation easement to the Airport Authority in the form and substance the Authority establishes. This is a land-use/permitting control on where and how you build near Reno-Tahoe International and other airports, not a decibel limit on aircraft themselves. Aircraft operational noise is regulated federally by the FAA, not by the county.

Violations & Fines

A building permit within an airport noise contour will not issue without the required avigation-easement dedication and Part 150 compatibility; noncompliant development is denied.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Washoe County limit how loud planes can be?
No. Aircraft operational noise is regulated by the FAA. The county controls development within airport noise contours via FAR Part 150 land-use rules.
What is an avigation easement?
It's an easement dedicated to the Airport Authority, required before a building permit issues within an airport's noise contour, allowing aircraft overflight and noise.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Washoe County

Parking Rules: Overnight ParkingSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Street Parking LimitsSome RestrictionsQuiet HoursSome RestrictionsConstruction HoursSome RestrictionsAmplified Music & Outdoor SoundSome RestrictionsVehicle NoiseSome RestrictionsDecibel LimitsSome RestrictionsBarking DogsSome RestrictionsLeaf Blower RulesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: EV ChargingSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Fence Permit RequirementsSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Pet LimitsSignificant RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Wildlife FeedingSome Restrictions

All Washoe County rules

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