Aircraft noise in Colorado is governed almost entirely by federal aviation law, and state and local governments cannot directly regulate flight operations, though airport proprietors have limited authority.
Federal law under 49 U.S.C. 40103 and 14 C.F.R. Part 91 preempts state and local regulation of aircraft in flight, including noise from takeoffs, landings, and overflights. Colorado does not impose decibel limits on aircraft, and C.R.S. 25-12-103 expressly excludes aircraft from its noise abatement scheme. Airport proprietors, including Denver International and other municipal airports, may establish reasonable, non-discriminatory operating restrictions through FAA-approved Part 161 procedures, but cities and counties cannot enforce general noise ordinances against aircraft. Complaints are routed through airport noise offices and the FAA.
Local noise enforcement against aircraft is generally invalid; complaints must be directed to the FAA or to airport proprietors who may impose airport-specific operating curfews subject to federal review.
Northglenn, CO
Northglenn's Unified Development Ordinance (Article 11-4) caps single-family driveways at 40% of the lot width and 50% of the front-yard area, with no single...
Adams County, CO
In unincorporated Adams County, any fence or wall taller than 42 inches (3.5 ft) requires a building permit through the Adams County E-Permit Center. Fences ...
Adams County, CO
Adams County Ordinance No. 6 (Pet Animal Licensing and Control), updated by Resolution 2022-043 (Animal Control Code), requires dogs in unincorporated Adams ...
Adams County, CO
Only 'permissible fireworks' under Colorado C.R.S. 12-28-101(8) - sparklers, ground spinners, fountains, and snakes - are legal in Colorado. All aerial devic...
Adams County, CO
Unincorporated Adams County does not impose STR-specific parking minimums. The Development Standards and Regulations Chapter 4 off-street parking rules for t...
Adams County, CO
Unincorporated Adams County has no STR-specific occupancy cap in the Development Standards and Regulations. Industry guidance commonly applies a 'two per bed...
See how Northglenn's aircraft noise rules stack up against other locations.
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