John Wayne Airport (SNA) generates significant aircraft noise in unincorporated Orange County. The airport operates under strict departure noise limits and a voluntary nighttime curfew (11 PM to 7 AM). The County monitors noise through a permanent measurement system and maintains noise contour maps affecting residential building requirements.
John Wayne Airport (SNA) in unincorporated area adjacent to Newport Beach generates substantial aircraft noise across central Orange County. The airport operates under a 1985 Settlement Agreement and subsequent amendments imposing departure noise limits of 89.5 dBA single-event level. A voluntary curfew restricts commercial departures between 11 PM and 7 AM and arrivals between 11 PM and 8 AM. The County maintains a permanent noise monitoring system with stations in surrounding communities. Properties within 65+ CNEL noise contours face building restrictions and sound insulation requirements under the Airport Environs Land Use Plan (AELUP). The Airport Land Use Commission (ALUC) reviews development proposals within airport influence areas. FAA controls flight paths and altitudes. Fullerton Municipal Airport and Joint Forces Training Base Los Alamitos also contribute aircraft noise. Noise complaints go to JWA Noise Information Office at (949) 252-5185.
Construction within noise contour zones without meeting sound insulation requirements violates AELUP. Building permits may be denied for noise-incompatible uses. FAA governs flight operations exclusively. Noise curfew is voluntary for general aviation.
Orange County, CA
Unincorporated Orange County exempts one small detached non-habitable accessory structure - a shed - per 7,200 square feet of building site area from accesso...
Orange County, CA
Carports in unincorporated Orange County are governed by Section 7-9-70.3(d) of the Codified Ordinances, which requires carports to comply with main-building...
Orange County, CA
Unincorporated Orange County allows the conversion of an existing garage, carport, or accessory structure into an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) under Section...
Orange County, CA
Unincorporated Orange County requires every pool/spa deeper than 18 inches to be enclosed by a barrier at least 60 inches (5 ft) high under California Health...
Orange County, CA
Unincorporated Orange County allows ADUs on any residentially zoned lot under OC Zoning Code (Title 7, Division 9) and California Government Code §65852.2 (A...
Orange County, CA
Orange County does not levy a general gross-receipts business tax in unincorporated areas; businesses obtain a county business license tied to zoning, while ...
See how Orange County's aircraft noise rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.