Putnam County, FL Noise Ordinances: Aircraft Noise (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing zones
- airport height, land use restriction, RPZ overlays
- New residential/schools barred
- within 1/2 longest runway length of runway ends
- Educational exclusion extends
- 5 miles from runway ends
- Landfill setback
- 10,000 ft from any runway
- Airport
- Palatka Municipal Airport
Summary
Rather than cap decibels, unincorporated Putnam County manages aircraft noise around Palatka Municipal Airport by zoning: new residential uses and educational facilities are barred from land near the runway ends under the county's airport overlay.
Sec. 45-241. - Purpose. The purpose of this section is to establish height limitations and land use limitations in Putnam County around Palatka Municipal Airport in order to prevent the creation of obstructions or other land uses that may be hazardous to airport and aircraft operations. It is recognized that airports present an increased risk to the public's health, safety and well-being due to aviation noise and the potential for an aviation accident. ... ... Sec. 45-243. - Land use restriction zones. ... (c)Prohibition of new residential uses and educational facilities. Pursuant to F.S. § 333.03(3), new residential uses and new educational facilities shall not be located within an area equal to one-half the length of the longest runway and extending from runway ends and centerlines as shown in Map 4.4 of appendix IV.
Full Breakdown
Putnam County Code Sec. 45-241 states the county's overlay zones exist because airports present an increased risk to health, safety and well-being due to aviation noise and accident potential, and establishes zones based on sensitivity to aviation-generated noise. Sec. 45-243(c), citing F.S. § 333.03(3), prohibits new residential uses and new educational facilities within an area equal to one-half the length of the longest runway extending from the runway ends and centerlines, mapped as Map 4.4 in appendix IV. Sec. 45-243(d) adds a further educational-facility exclusion zone extending five miles from each runway end.
Sec. 45-243(b) separately bars new sanitary landfills within 10,000 feet of any runway or within the primary, approach, horizontal or conical airspace surfaces. Sec. 45-244 bars any land or water use within the airport's mapped airspace that would interfere with safe takeoff, landing or communications, and requires the planning and development services department to notify the airport manager of any proposed use within six miles that generates smoke, particulates, electromagnetic interference or exceeds 60 feet in height. These land use limits, rather than a noise-ordinance decibel standard, are the county's mechanism for managing aircraft noise exposure around Palatka Municipal Airport.
Violations & Fines
Development that violates the runway protection zone, residential/educational exclusion zone or height notification zone requirements is subject to denial or revocation of permits by planning and development services, with appeals to the zoning board of adjustment under article XI. Underlying Code violations otherwise carry the Sec. 1-6 general penalty of a fine up to $500.00, up to 60 days in jail, or both.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Putnam County have a decibel limit for aircraft noise?
Can I build a new house near Palatka Municipal Airport?
Who enforces the airport overlay rules in Putnam County?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Putnam County
Florida rules heatmap·Compare Putnam County to another location·View the Florida noise ordinances overview
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