San Diego, CA Noise Ordinances: Aircraft Noise (2026)
Key Facts
- Daytime limit
- 88 dB / 94 dB single-event
- Nighttime limit
- 70 dB / 76 dB single-event
- Night hours
- 11:30 p.m.-6:30 a.m.
- Applies to
- Montgomery Field Airport only
- Violation class
- Infraction
Summary
Aircraft using Montgomery Field Airport must stay under set decibel limits by time of day, with tighter caps at night to protect nearby residential neighborhoods.
Except as provided in Section 68.0159, no aircraft taking off or landing at Montgomery Field Airport between the hours of 6:30 a.m. and 11:30 p.m. of the same day shall exceed a maximum sound level of 88 decibels or a single event noise equivalent level of 94 decibels measured at any point between ground level and twenty (20) feet above ground level outside of the Airport boundary in any area zoned and used for residential purposes.
(b) Except as provided in Section 68.0159, no aircraft taking off or landing at Montgomery Field Airport between the hours of 11:30 p.m. and 6:30 a.m. of the following day shall exceed a maximum sound level of 70 decibels or a single event noise equivalent level of 76 decibels measured at any point between ground level and twenty (20) feet above ground level outside of the Airport boundary in any area zoned and used for residential purposes.
(Amended 10-6-1986 by O-16720 N.S.)
Ch. Art. Div. 6 8 1 17 San Diego Municipal Code Chapter 6: Public Works and Property, (4-2025) Public Improvement and Assessment Proceedings
Full Breakdown
Under SDMC § 68.0158, aircraft taking off or landing at Montgomery Field Airport may not exceed 88 dB maximum or a 94 dB single-event noise level between 6:30 a.m. and 11:30 p.m. Between 11:30 p.m. and 6:30 a.m., the limit drops to 70 dB maximum or 76 dB single-event, measured outside the Airport boundary in residential-zoned areas. Section 68.0159 exempts government, emergency, law enforcement, Civil Air Patrol, and medical-transport aircraft. Section 68.0160 separately bans touch-and-go, stop-and-go, and low-approach operations at Montgomery Field between 11:30 p.m. and 6:30 a.m. Violations are an infraction under § 68.0157.
Violations & Fines
Operating, piloting, or permitting the operation of an aircraft in violation of § 68.0158 or § 68.0160 is an infraction under § 68.0157; the Director may also impose other restrictions or sanctions to further the noise abatement program.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this noise limit apply citywide?
Are any aircraft exempt from the limits?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Diego
California rules heatmap·Compare San Diego to another location·View the California noise ordinances overview
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Aircraft Noise in Nearby Cities
How other cities in San Diego County handle aircraft noise.