Placer County, CA Noise Ordinances: Aircraft Noise (2026)
Key Facts
- Scope
- Applies only to county-owned Blue Canyon Airport, Emigrant Gap
- Noise standard
- No unnecessary noise per federal, state, or local law
- No decibel limit set
- County defers to applicable federal/state standards
- Run-up curfew
- No non-essential engine run-ups 5 p.m. to 7 a.m.
- Administrator
- Airport manager administers all Blue Canyon Airport rules
- Penalty
- General Code § 1.24.010: up to $1,000 fine or 6 months
Summary
Placer County's only local aircraft-noise rule sits inside the Blue Canyon Airport regulations, Article 12.44 of the county code, and applies solely to that county-owned field near Emigrant Gap. Section 12.44.140 bars operating any aircraft, in flight or on the ground, in a way that causes unnecessary noise under applicable federal, state, or local law, and Section 12.44.110 separately bans non-essential engine run-ups between 5 p.m. and 7 a.m.
§ 12.44.140. Noise. No person shall operate any aircraft in flight or on the ground in such a manner as to cause unnecessary noise as determined by applicable federal or state or local laws and regulations. (Prior code § 34.65) ... § 12.44.110. Maintenance. Unless otherwise authorized by the airport manager, no aircraft or vehicle maintenance (other than required to remove damaged aircraft from the runway(s) or taxiway(s), or replacing a flat tire) shall be performed on the Blue Canyon Airport except in areas specifically designated by the airport manager for that purpose. Engine run-ups not incidental to takeoff or landing, shall not be conducted between the hours of five p.m. to seven a.m.
Full Breakdown
030(A). 140, is short and deliberately deferential: no person shall operate any aircraft in flight or on the ground in such a manner as to cause unnecessary noise as determined by applicable federal or state or local laws and regulations. The county sets no decibel figure of its own; it bars noise that violates whatever federal, state, or other local standard applies, which in practice means FAA rules govern in-flight aircraft noise, since the county code has no other airport or general aviation noise chapter.
m. 010, which sets a misdemeanor fine of up to $1,000 per occurrence or up to six months in county jail, or prosecution as an infraction, plus a separate civil penalty of up to $500 per day per violation, capped at $100,000 per violation and $250,000 total. Because this article governs only the county-owned Blue Canyon Airport, it does not reach noise complaints about aircraft overflying homes elsewhere in unincorporated Placer County; those fall under exclusive FAA jurisdiction over navigable airspace.
Violations & Fines
Causing unnecessary aircraft noise under Section 12.44.140, or running an aircraft engine outside essential takeoff or landing operations between 5 p.m. and 7 a.m. under Section 12.44.110, is enforced through the county's general penalty clause, Section 1.24.010, since Article 12.44 sets no penalty of its own. That means a misdemeanor fine of up to $1,000, up to six months in jail, prosecution as an infraction, or a civil penalty of up to $500 per day, capped at $100,000 per violation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Placer County set a decibel limit for Blue Canyon Airport?
Can pilots run aircraft engines at night at Blue Canyon Airport?
Who handles noise from planes flying over my house elsewhere in Placer County?
What's the penalty for violating the Blue Canyon Airport noise rules?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Placer County
California rules heatmap·Compare Placer County to another location·View the California noise ordinances overview
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