San Jose, CA Noise Ordinances: Aircraft Noise (2026)
Key Facts
- Curfew hours
- 2330-0630 (11:30 p.m.-6:30 a.m.)
- Fine per violation
- $2,500
- Stage 2 jets
- restricted to 0700-2300
- Enforced by
- Director of Aviation / Airport Commission
- Applies to
- Norman Y. Mineta San José Int'l Airport
Summary
San Jose bars jet takeoffs and landings at Mineta San José International Airport between 11:30 p.m. and 6:30 a.m. unless the jet is listed on the city's schedule of authorized quiet aircraft, with a $2,500 fine per violation.
Except as otherwise expressly authorized herein, all persons shall be prohibited from scheduling and/or conducting a takeoff or a landing using a jet aircraft during curfew hours unless such takeoff or landing is conducted by a jet aircraft that is listed on the schedule of authorized aircraft.B.If a jet aircraft is not listed on the schedule of authorized aircraft, then the aircraft will be allowed to operate during curfew hours only if the operator demonstrates in writing to the director that the FAA Part 36 manufacturer certificated noise level of such aircraft (using the arithmetic average of the takeoff, sideline, and approach noise levels) is equal to or less than 89.0 EPNdB. (Ord. 27000.)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 5 Update 3).
Full Breakdown
Municipal Code Chapter 25.03 defines curfew hours as 2330 to 0630 and prohibits scheduling or conducting any jet takeoff or landing during that window unless the aircraft appears on the director of aviation's schedule of authorized aircraft (certified at or under 89.0 EPNdB). Stage 2 jets may only operate between 0700 and 2300. Force-majeure delays (mechanical failure, ATC directive, weather, security order, emergency) can excuse a curfew breach if the operator files a written curfew operation report within ten days. Violations draw a $2,500 administrative citation, appealable to the airport commission.
Violations & Fines
Unauthorized jet operation during curfew hours (2330-0630) draws a $2,500 administrative citation from the director of aviation, plus a 10% delinquency penalty and 0.5%/month interest if unpaid; contestable at an airport commission hearing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hours does San Jose's airport curfew cover?
Is there an exception for a delayed flight?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Jose
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