California sets statewide airport noise limits under Title 21 CCR, with the state preempting most local aviation noise control because federal FAA authority dominates aircraft operations in flight.
California's Airport Noise Standards in Title 21, Division 2.5 of the California Code of Regulations cap acceptable airport noise impact at a 65 dB CNEL contour and require airport proprietors to monitor and mitigate excess noise on surrounding land uses. Cities and counties cannot directly regulate aircraft in flight because federal law (the Airline Deregulation Act and FAA Act) preempts local airspace rules, leaving California's Caltrans Division of Aeronautics as the principal state authority. Local jurisdictions retain only limited proprietor controls at airports they operate.
Airport proprietors that fail to comply with the 65 dB CNEL standard may face state enforcement, loss of operating variance approvals, and civil liability to impacted residents through inverse condemnation actions.
San Francisco, CA
Fence height in San Francisco is regulated by Planning Code Section 136 (Permitted Obstructions in Required Setbacks, Yards, and Usable Open Space), administ...
San Francisco, CA
San Francisco's Planning Code permits residential lawn ornaments, statuary, and religious or political displays without permit so long as no structure exceed...
San Francisco, CA
San Francisco does not regulate residential inflatable holiday decorations by size or type. Standard Police Code Article 29 noise rules apply to motor blower...
San Francisco, CA
San Francisco has no ordinance restricting when residents may put up or take down holiday lights. Standard rules from Police Code Article 29 (noise) and Plan...
San Francisco, CA
Built-in outdoor kitchens in San Francisco require building permits whenever the project includes new electrical, plumbing, gas piping, or a fixed structure ...
San Francisco, CA
Backyard wood and pellet smokers in San Francisco are allowed at single-family and two-family homes but are governed by Bay Area Air Quality Management Distr...
See how San Francisco's aircraft noise rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.