Polk County, IA Noise Ordinances: Aircraft Noise (2026)
Key Facts
- In-flight noise
- FAA-regulated (preempted)
- County reference
- 75 dB noise cone (IDOT)
- Airport class
- Commercial general use
- Buffering
- Berms may be required
- Complaints
- Airport authority / FAA
Summary
Aircraft-in-flight noise is regulated federally by the FAA, not by Polk County. The county's zoning code references a 75-decibel noise cone defined by the Iowa DOT around airports and may require additional berm buffering to reduce airport noise. Des Moines International Airport is the metro's hub.
the 75 decibel noise cone as defined by the Iowa Department of Transportation.
Full Breakdown
Polk County cannot regulate aircraft noise in flight; that is preempted by the Federal Aviation Administration. The Polk County Zoning Ordinance addresses land use around airports: it references the 75-decibel noise cone as defined by the Iowa Department of Transportation for airport-related uses, classifies hub and reliever airports in the commercial general category, and allows the Board of Adjustment to require berm buffering to reduce noise. Residents near Des Moines International Airport direct in-flight noise complaints to the airport authority or FAA, not the county.
Violations & Fines
No county penalty for aircraft-in-flight noise (federally preempted); airport-related land-use conditions are enforced through the zoning conditional-use and buffering requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Polk County limit airplane noise overhead?
What is the 75-decibel noise cone?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Polk County
Compare Polk County to another location·View the Iowa noise ordinances overview
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