Ontario, CA Noise Ordinances: Aircraft Noise (2026)
Key Facts
- Code Section
- OMC 5-29.06(h) (preemption exemption)
- Federal authority
- City of Burbank v. Lockheed Air Terminal, 411 U.S. 624 (1973)
- State standard
- 65 dB CNEL (Cal. Code Regs. tit. 21, Sec. 5012)
- Interior threshold
- 45 dB CNEL may be excessive (Title 21)
Summary
No Ontario-specific ordinance directly regulates aircraft noise; the City's noise chapter exempts activities preempted by state or federal law (OMC 5-29.06(h)), and aircraft noise is governed by FAA federal preemption and California's 65 dB CNEL airport noise standard (21 CCR 5012).
The standard for the acceptable level of aircraft noise for persons living in the vicinity of airports is hereby established to be a community noise equivalent level of 65 decibels. No airport proprietor of a noise problem airport shall operate an airport with a noise impact area based on the standard of 65 dB CNEL unless the operator has applied for or received a variance.
Full Breakdown
Aircraft overflight noise (including from LA/Ontario International Airport) is not regulated by Ontario's municipal noise chapter. OMC section 5-29.06(h) exempts any activity to the extent its regulation has been preempted by state or federal law. Federal law occupies the field of aircraft-in-flight noise control under the Federal Aviation Act and the Noise Control Act, as confirmed in City of Burbank v. Lockheed Air Terminal, 411 U.S. 624 (1973). At the state level, the California Airport Noise Standards (Cal. Code Regs. tit. 21, sections 5000 et seq.) set the acceptable aircraft noise level for persons living near airports at a community noise equivalent level (CNEL) of 65 decibels (section 5012); a noise-problem airport may not operate with a noise impact area exceeding 65 dB CNEL without a variance. Ground-level mechanical and motor-vehicle noise on airport property may still fall under Chapter 29 where not preempted.
Violations & Fines
Because aircraft-in-flight noise is preempted, local citations do not apply; remedies run through the FAA, the airport proprietor's Part 150/161 noise programs, and the California Department of Transportation Division of Aeronautics under Title 21.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the City of Ontario limit aircraft noise from the airport?
What is the acceptable aircraft noise level near Ontario?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Ontario
California rules heatmap·Compare Ontario to another location·View the California noise ordinances overview
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