Oklahoma City, OK Noise Ordinances: Aircraft Noise (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- § 34-4(b), Airport and aircraft operations
- Covers
- Ground engine testing and airport facility ops
- Excludes
- In-flight aircraft movement under FAA/ATC control
- First-offense penalty
- Class "a" offense, fine up to $500
- Repeat offense penalty
- Class "b" offense, up to $1,200 or jail
Summary
Oklahoma City makes it unlawful to run, test, or operate aircraft engines on the ground, or run an airport facility, in a way that causes noise disturbance, but exempts in-flight aircraft movement governed by FAA rules and air traffic control.
Airport and aircraft operations. It shall be unlawful to run, test, or otherwise operate aircraft engines on the ground or operate an airport facility in such a manner as to cause or tend to cause noise disturbance or excessive noise. Nothing in this section shall be construed to prohibit, restrict, penalize, or enjoin or in any manner regulate the movements of aircraft which are, in all respects, conducted in accordance with or pursuant to applicable Federal laws or regulations, or air traffic control instructions.(c)Places of public entertainment. Operating, or permitting to be operated, in any place of public entertainment during any hour of operation when patrons or customers may be expected, any loudspeaker or sound amplifier which produces, reproduces or amplifies sound, at a point normally to be occupied by a patron or customer, which produces a noise disturbance, unless a conspicuous, legible sign, readable by a person with 20/20 vision at a distance within ten feet of it, is posted at or within five feet of each public entrance and not more than five feet above the level of the ground, floor, or other entrance threshold, which sign shall state: "WARNING: SOUND LEVELS WITHIN MAY CAUSE PERMANENT HEARING IMPAIRMENT"
This provision shall not be construed to allow the operation of such loudspeaker or sound amplifier in such manner as to create a noise disturbance beyond the premises or as to violate Paragraph (d) below.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 5 Update 1).
Full Breakdown
The rule targets ground noise: engine testing, engine runs, and airport-facility operations that create a "noise disturbance" under Chapter 34's sound standards. It does not reach actual flight operations, which the ordinance expressly leaves to FAA authority and air traffic control instructions. Oklahoma City cannot regulate how planes fly once airborne. A violation is enforced under the general noise-chapter penalty: a Class "a" offense punishable by a fine up to $500, rising to a Class "b" offense (fine up to $1,200 or up to six months in jail) for a repeat conviction, with each continuous day of disturbance counted separately.
Violations & Fines
First offense: Class "a" misdemeanor, fine up to $500. Repeat conviction: Class "b" offense, fine up to $1,200 and/or up to six months in jail.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Oklahoma City regulate noise from planes flying overhead?
What counts as a violation under this section?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Oklahoma City
Compare Oklahoma City to another location·View the Oklahoma noise ordinances overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Aircraft Noise in Nearby Cities
How other cities in this county handle aircraft noise.