Puyallup, WA Noise Ordinances: Aircraft Noise (2026)
Key Facts
- Regulatory status
- Fully exempt from city noise code
- Exempt scope
- Aircraft in flight and flight-related airport sounds
- Exemption timing
- At all times, no curfew
- Governing section
- PMC § 6.16.060(1)(a)
- Local complaint path
- None under Chapter 6.16 PMC
Summary
Puyallup's noise code doesn't regulate aircraft. PMC § 6.16.060(1)(a) exempts 'noise originating from aircraft in flight, and sounds which originate at airports and are directly related to flight operations' from the chapter's noise rules at all times.
(1) The following noises are exempt from the provisions of this chapter at all times, provided, that nothing in these exemptions is intended to preclude the possible reduction of noise consistent with economic feasibility: (a) Noise originating from aircraft in flight, and sounds which originate at airports and are directly related to flight operations;
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4985225; v6 updated 2026-07-21; through 07-21-2026).
Full Breakdown
16 PMC, simply doesn't reach aircraft noise or airport flight operations; there's no local decibel limit, curfew, or complaint process for it under city ordinance. The same subsection (1) also exempts several other categories at all times, including noise from officially sanctioned parades, sporting events, and public events, expressly naming events at the Fairgrounds of the Western Washington Fair, as well as natural phenomena, unamplified human voices, and warning devices sounded for no more than 30 minutes per incident. ' Aircraft noise regulation nationally sits with the FAA and, for specific airports, with the airport operator rather than a city noise ordinance, which is consistent with Puyallup's chapter carving it out entirely rather than setting local limits. 16 PMC, since aircraft in flight and airport flight operations are excluded from the chapter by name.
Violations & Fines
There is no violation category for aircraft noise under Puyallup's noise chapter: PMC § 6.16.060(1)(a) exempts aircraft in flight and airport flight-operation sounds from Chapter 6.16 PMC entirely, so no civil infraction or penalty under this chapter applies to that noise. Enforcement of aircraft-related noise, if any, falls outside city jurisdiction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I file a city noise complaint about airplane noise in Puyallup?
Why doesn't Puyallup regulate aircraft noise locally?
Are there any noise exemptions besides aircraft that apply at all times?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Puyallup
Compare Puyallup to another location·View the Washington noise ordinances overview
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Aircraft Noise in Nearby Cities
How other cities in this county handle aircraft noise.