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Larimer County, CO Noise Ordinances: Aircraft Noise (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified July 2026

Key Facts

Aircraft exemption
Fort Collins § 20-25(3)
Primary regulator
FAA (federal preemption)
Local dB cap on aircraft
None
Local airport
Northern Colorado Regional
Complaint route
Airport noise office / FAA

Summary

Aircraft operation is exempt from Fort Collins noise limits under § 20-25(3) because it is governed by federal law. Neither the city nor Larimer County can set aircraft decibel limits; complaints go to the FAA or the airport operator.

City-specific rules exist: Loveland, and Fort Collins have their own aircraft noise rules that differ from Larimer County's county-level regulations. If you live in one of those cities, check the city-specific page instead.

The provisions of this Article shall not apply to: ...The operation of aircraft or other activities which are subject to federal law with respect to noise control, and the generation of sound in situations within the jurisdiction of the Federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

View official code

Full Breakdown

Fort Collins Municipal Code § 20-25(3) exempts the operation of aircraft and other activities subject to federal law on noise control from the Article II limits. Aircraft noise is regulated by the Federal Aviation Administration, which preempts local decibel rules, so neither Fort Collins nor unincorporated Larimer County can enforce a dB(A) cap on overflights. Northern Colorado Regional Airport (jointly operated by Fort Collins and Loveland) handles operational noise-abatement procedures. Residents with persistent overflight or airport-noise concerns should contact the airport's noise office or file with the FAA rather than local code compliance.

Violations & Fines

No local citation applies to in-flight aircraft noise; enforcement is federal. Ground-based sources at the airport may still fall under FAA jurisdiction rather than the city code.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Larimer County limit airplane or helicopter noise?
No. Aircraft noise is federally preempted and exempt under Fort Collins § 20-25(3); the FAA, not the county, regulates flight operations.
Who handles airport noise complaints?
Contact Northern Colorado Regional Airport's noise-abatement office or file with the FAA. Local code compliance cannot cite in-flight aircraft noise.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Larimer County

Parking Rules: Overnight ParkingSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Street Parking LimitsSome RestrictionsQuiet HoursSome RestrictionsConstruction HoursSome RestrictionsDecibel LimitsSome RestrictionsAmplified Music & Outdoor SoundSome RestrictionsLeaf Blower RulesSome RestrictionsVehicle NoiseSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Loading ZonesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: EV ChargingSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Commercial & Oversized VehiclesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Driveway RulesSome Restrictions

All Larimer County rules

Compare Larimer County to another location·View the Colorado noise ordinances overview

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Aircraft Noise in Cities Across Larimer County

Fort Collins, COLoveland, CO