Aircraft noise in Oakland is governed primarily by federal law (FAA), but the Port of Oakland operates the Oakland International Airport (OAK) Noise Management Office under a voluntary nighttime noise abatement program and operating restrictions. Local Oakland noise ordinances do not apply to in-flight aircraft, but ground-run engine testing and helipads are subject to Chapter 8.18 limits.
Federal preemption under the Airline Deregulation Act and the Aviation Safety and Noise Abatement Act means cities cannot directly regulate aircraft in flight, including Oakland International Airport (OAK) operations. Instead, Oakland addresses aircraft noise through the Port of Oakland's Aircraft Noise Management Office, which administers a voluntary nighttime preferential runway program, single-event noise budgets per FAA-approved Part 161 procedures, and a 24-hour noise complaint hotline (510-563-6463) and online reporting portal. The Port maintains a network of permanent noise monitors throughout Alameda, San Leandro, and Oakland and publishes quarterly noise reports. OAK has had a settlement-based noise budget since 1998 that limits cumulative single-event noise. Helicopter operators using private helipads in Oakland must comply with FAA Part 91 minimum altitudes and any local zoning conditions; a permitted helipad's ground noise (rotor wash, taxi) is subject to Chapter 8.18 receiving-level limits. Aircraft engine ground run-ups at OAK are confined to designated areas and time windows under Port rules. Residents in flight paths (East Oakland, Alameda Island, San Leandro) can file complaints with the Noise Office, which forwards data to airlines and the FAA but cannot order route changes without FAA approval.
Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact Oakland code enforcement directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.
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