Santa Clara lies adjacent to San Jose International Airport (SJC). Aircraft noise is federally preempted under FAA Part 150, but complaints are handled by the SJC Airport Noise Office.
Santa Clara is located directly north and west of Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC) and experiences overflight noise from departures and arrivals. Federal law under 49 USC and FAA Part 150 preempts local regulation of aircraft operations in flight, meaning neither Santa Clara nor any California municipality can enforce noise limits on aircraft themselves. However, residents may file complaints through the SJC Airport Noise Office at (408) 793-2700 or via the WebTrak online complaint system. The airport maintains voluntary noise abatement procedures including preferential runway use, nighttime operational restrictions, and the Fly Quiet program that encourages airline compliance. Santa Clara participates in the SJC Airport Community Roundtable where residents can raise concerns. The FAA completed a Part 150 Noise Compatibility Study identifying 65 DNL noise contours. Homes within contours may have qualified historically for residential sound insulation programs. Ground-level aircraft-related noise such as engine run-ups is regulated by airport rules.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Santa Clara, CA
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Santa Clara County.
See how other cities in Santa Clara County handle aircraft noise.
See how Santa Clara's aircraft noise rules stack up against other locations.
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