Aircraft noise is regulated federally by the FAA, not by Santa Clara County. San Jose International (SJC) operates under an FAA Part 150 noise compatibility program with a voluntary curfew from 11:30 PM to 6:30 AM.
Aircraft noise over Santa Clara County is governed by federal law. The Federal Aviation Administration has exclusive authority over aircraft operations in flight under 49 USC 40103, so local governments cannot directly regulate overflights, altitudes, or flight paths. San Jose Mineta International Airport (SJC) participates in an FAA Part 150 Noise Compatibility Study and operates a voluntary nighttime curfew from 11:30 PM to 6:30 AM, with fines for scheduled violations. The airport publishes quarterly noise contour maps and maintains a complaint hotline. Palo Alto Airport (PAO) and Reid-Hillview Airport in east San Jose also have voluntary fly-friendly procedures. Helicopter noise from commercial tech campuses and news helicopters is a recurring complaint but cannot be locally banned. Residents under SJC approach paths (Willow Glen, Alviso) can file complaints with the SJC Noise Office, which aggregates data for the Airport Noise Advisory Committee.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
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See how Santa Clara County's aircraft noise rules stack up against other locations.
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