Aircraft noise from Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO) is preempted from local regulation by federal law (FAA). RNO operates a voluntary noise abatement program with preferred departure routes and a nighttime quieter operations policy.
Federal law (49 U.S.C. 40103 and the Airport Noise and Capacity Act of 1990) preempts cities from regulating aircraft operations, flight paths, or noise. Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO), located just southeast of downtown Reno, operates a voluntary Noise Abatement Program coordinated by the Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority (RTAA). The program includes preferred nighttime departure procedures, pilot notices to avoid overflying residential areas when possible, and a public noise complaint portal. Neighborhoods most affected include Hidden Valley, the area south of the airport, and parts of southeast Reno. Residents can file complaints through the RTAA WebTrak system or by calling the noise hotline. While RTAA cannot impose curfews or fines under federal preemption, it tracks complaints to advocate with airlines and the FAA for quieter procedures. Military flights (Nevada Air National Guard) also operate from RNO and are similarly preempted.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
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See how Reno's aircraft noise rules stack up against other locations.
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