Aircraft noise in flight is regulated exclusively by the FAA under federal law (49 U.S.C. 40103, 14 CFR Part 36, 91, 150). Texas cities and counties cannot impose noise limits on aircraft operations, though they may regulate ground-based airport activities through Texas Transportation Code Chapter 22.
Federal courts have repeatedly held that the Federal Aviation Act and Airline Deregulation Act preempt state and local regulation of aircraft noise in navigable airspace. Texas municipalities therefore cannot enforce general noise ordinances against airplanes, helicopters, or drones operating under FAA rules. Local airport proprietors can adopt reasonable, nondiscriminatory restrictions on ground operations, runway use, and curfews only if they comply with the federal Airport Noise and Capacity Act of 1990 and FAA Part 161. Texas Transportation Code Chapter 22 grants municipalities authority to operate airports, acquire avigation easements, and zone for airport hazards consistent with federal law. Noise complaints are handled through the FAA Noise Portal or local airport noise offices.
Local police cannot cite pilots for aircraft noise. Improper airport restrictions adopted without FAA approval are unenforceable and can trigger federal injunctions and loss of FAA grant funding.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Richmond, TX
Richmond requires durable fence materials and bans scrap lumber, plywood, sheet metal, plastic, fiberglass, barbed wire, welded wire, agricultural fencing, a...
Richmond, TX
Richmond requires the finished side of any fence to face outward toward neighbors and the right-of-way, and forbids placing a fence outside surveyed lot line...
Richmond, TX
Richmond requires a fence permit for new construction, replacement with different materials, height changes, reconfiguration, driveway gates, and any fence e...
Richmond, TX
Richmond limits residential fences to 42 inches in front yards and six feet in side and rear yards, with narrow exceptions for steel tubular and wrought iron...
Richmond, TX
Richmond, as an incorporated city in Fort Bend County, bars outdoor burning of brush, debris, and trash inside the city limits regardless of state burn-ban s...
Richmond, TX
Richmond's nuisance code prohibits grass, weeds, and rank vegetation taller than six inches, requiring property owners to maintain lots or face abatement and...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Fort Bend County.
See how Richmond's aircraft noise rules stack up against other locations.
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