San Diego is heavily affected by aircraft noise from San Diego International Airport (Lindbergh Field), MCAS Miramar, Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport, and Brown Field. The Airport Land Use Compatibility Overlay Zone (ALUCOZ) under SDMC Chapter 13, Article 2, Division 15 (Section 132.1501 et seq.) restricts land uses within CNEL noise contours adopted by the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority. Montgomery Field imposes an 88 dB daytime noise limit and prohibits touch-and-go operations between 11:30 PM and 6:30 AM.
San Diego International Airport (SAN) is uniquely located adjacent to downtown, just 3 miles from the city center. Single-runway operations over Bankers Hill, Hillcrest, North Park, and Point Loma create substantial aircraft noise. The Airport Authority operates the Quieter Home Program providing sound insulation for qualifying homes within the 65 CNEL noise contour. MCAS Miramar (Marine Corps Air Station) in north-central San Diego generates military jet noise affecting Mira Mesa, Scripps Ranch, and University City. Military aircraft are exempt from local noise ordinances under federal preemption. The Airport Land Use Commission (ALUC) enforces land use compatibility plans restricting new residential development in high-noise zones. CEQA requires noise analysis for new development near flight paths.
No local enforcement — federal FAA jurisdiction. Noise complaints filed through San Diego Airport Authority noise hotline.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in San Diego County.
See how other cities in San Diego County handle aircraft noise.
See how San Diego's aircraft noise rules stack up against other locations.
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