Rialto, CA Noise Ordinances: Aircraft Noise (2026)
Key Facts
- Rialto Municipal Airport
- Closed to air traffic
- City ordinance treatment
- Aircraft noise exempt from Chapter 9.50
- Measurement method
- CNEL under General Plan noise element
- Residential compatibility
- 60 dB CNEL normally acceptable
- Former compatibility plan
- 65 CNEL contour referral areas
Summary
Rialto's noise ordinance exempts aircraft noise, which is measured instead under the General Plan noise element using the CNEL method. The city-owned Rialto Municipal Airport has been closed to air traffic, so no active airport noise sources remain within the city.
Section 9.50.060 Exemptions. The following activities and noise sources shall be exempt from the provisions of this chapter: A. Those noise events in the community (e.g., airport noise, arterial traffic noise, railroad noise) that are more accurately measured by application of the general plan noise element policy, utilizing the CNEL method ... The Rialto Municipal Airport is currently closed to air traffic. No airport-related noise sources affect the project site or surrounding properties.
Full Breakdown
Section 9.50.060(A) exempts community noise events such as airport, arterial traffic, and railroad noise from Chapter 9.50, deferring to General Plan noise element policy using the Community Noise Equivalent Level (CNEL) method. The city's 2017 noise assessment for the Renaissance East project states the Rialto Municipal Airport is closed to air traffic and no airport-related noise sources affect surrounding properties. While the airport operated, the San Bernardino County Airport Land Use Commission's Comprehensive Land Use Plan applied 65 CNEL noise contours and referral areas under the California airport noise standards (Title 21, California Code of Regulations). Per the General Plan guidelines, up to 60 dB CNEL is normally acceptable for residential uses.
Violations & Fines
Aircraft in flight are regulated by federal law and state airport noise standards rather than city citation. Land-use compatibility around former airport property is enforced through the city's planning and environmental review of new development.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Rialto Municipal Airport still operating?
Can I complain to the city about aircraft noise?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Rialto
California rules heatmap·Compare Rialto to another location·View the California noise ordinances overview
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Aircraft Noise in Nearby Cities
How other cities in San Bernardino County handle aircraft noise.