Rancho Cordova, CA Noise Ordinances: Aircraft Noise (2026)
Key Facts
- Exempting sections
- RCMC § 6.68.090(I) and (J)
- Federal preemption basis
- 42 U.S.C. Chapter 65
- State preemption basis
- Pub. Util. Code Div. 9, Pt. 1, Ch. 4, Arts. 3, 3.5
- Local enforcement available
- None for aircraft noise
- Mather Airport ownership
- Sacramento County, not city
Summary
Rancho Cordova's noise ordinance exempts aircraft and airport noise from local control under RCMC § 6.68.090(I) and (J), because federal and state law preempt cities from regulating aviation noise; complaints route to the FAA and airport authority instead.
Any activity, to the extent provisions of Chapter 65 of Title 42 of the United States Code and Articles 3 and 3.5 of Chapter 4 of Part 1 of Division 9 of the Public Utilities Code of the state of California preempt local control of noise regulations and land use regulations related to noise control of airports and their surrounding geographical areas, any noise source associated with the construction, development, manufacture, maintenance, testing or operation of any aircraft engine, or of any weapons system or subsystems which are owned, operated or under the jurisdiction of the United States, or any other activity to the extent regulation thereof has been preempted by state or federal law or regulation; ... Any noise sources associated with the maintenance and operation of aircraft or airports which are owned or operated by the United States.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4660102; v2 updated 2026-03-02; through 03-02-2026).
Full Breakdown
68 is the city's general noise ordinance, but it stops short at the runway fence. 5 of Chapter 4 of Part 1 of Division 9 of the California Public Utilities Code, preempt local control over noise and land-use regulation tied to airports and their surrounding areas. That exemption covers noise from the construction, development, manufacture, maintenance, testing or operation of any aircraft engine, and any weapons system or subsystem owned, operated or under the jurisdiction of the United States, plus any other activity preempted by state or federal law.
090(J) adds a second, narrower exemption for noise from maintenance and operation of aircraft or airports owned or operated by the United States. 190 simply do not reach aircraft engine noise or federally-owned airport operations. 68 complaints.
Violations & Fines
There is no local citation or fine available for aircraft or airport noise: RCMC § 6.68.090(I)-(J) removes it from the chapter's enforcement scope entirely. Residents with aircraft noise concerns must pursue FAA channels or the airport operator's noise abatement program rather than a city noise complaint.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Rancho Cordova cite Mather Airport for noise under the city noise ordinance?
Who owns Mather Airport, and does that affect noise complaints?
Does the aircraft exemption cover ground equipment used to service planes?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Rancho Cordova
California rules heatmap·Compare Rancho Cordova to another location·View the California noise ordinances overview
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Aircraft Noise in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Sacramento County handle aircraft noise.