Monterey County, CA Noise Ordinances: Aircraft Noise (2026)
Key Facts
- County Code Status
- Sec. 10.60.030 exempts aircraft
- Primary Authority
- FAA (flight operations preempted)
- Local Program
- Voluntary Fly Quiet (Airport District)
- Voluntary Curfew
- Midnight - 5:00 a.m. local
- Preferred Runways
- Arrivals 28 L/R, departures 10 R/L
- Complaints
- Monterey Peninsula Airport District
Summary
Aircraft noise is not controlled by the Monterey County noise ordinance: County Code Sec. 10.60.030 expressly states its prohibition 'shall not apply to aircraft.' Aircraft operations are regulated by the FAA, with voluntary noise-abatement programs run by the Monterey Peninsula Airport District at Monterey Regional Airport, including preferred runways and a voluntary overnight non-operation period.
The prohibition in this Section shall not apply to aircraft nor to any such machine, mechanism, device or contrivance that is operated in excess of two thousand five hundred (2,500) feet from any occupied dwelling unit.
Full Breakdown
Aircraft are explicitly excluded from local noise enforcement in unincorporated Monterey County. ' Aircraft noise and flight operations are within the exclusive authority of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA); the local airport authority cannot override Air Traffic Control directions or dictate flight paths. At Monterey Regional Airport, the Monterey Peninsula Airport District runs voluntary noise-management measures within these federal constraints, including a Voluntary Fly Quiet program. local time for non-exempt aircraft (emergencies, military, and commercial carriers remain exempt). The District accepts noise complaints through its Operations Department but emphasizes that the measures are voluntary and do not supersede ATC directions or safety. Residents bothered by aircraft noise in unincorporated areas should direct complaints to the airport district rather than County code enforcement.
Violations & Fines
There is no County noise-ordinance citation for aircraft noise because Sec. 10.60.030 exempts aircraft and federal law preempts local regulation of flight operations. The Monterey Peninsula Airport District's Fly Quiet measures, preferred runways, and overnight non-operation period are voluntary and are not enforced through fines; complaints are logged through the District's Operations Department.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Monterey County's noise ordinance cover aircraft?
Who do I complain to about airplane noise near Monterey Regional Airport?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Monterey County
California rules heatmap·Compare Monterey County to another location·View the California noise ordinances overview
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