Santa Maria, CA Noise Ordinances: Aircraft Noise (2026)
Key Facts
- State CNEL significance
- 65 dB CNEL
- Airport authority
- Santa Maria Public Airport District
- FAA safety contact
- Flight Standards District Office (818) 267-3300
- Complaint logging window
- Within 5 days of the occurrence
- Land-use control
- Santa Barbara County ALUC Airport Influence Area
Summary
Aircraft noise is federally preempted by the FAA; Santa Maria Public Airport District runs a voluntary noise advisory program using California's 65 dB CNEL significance threshold and refers safety complaints to the FAA Flight Standards District Office.
Significant aircraft noise is defined in the state of California as Community Noise Equivalent Level (CNEL) 65 decibels (dB). Noise Abatement Procedure information is routinely available for pilots from Air Traffic Control (ATC) on the Automatic Terminal Information Service (ATIS). SMX Noise abatement procedure reminders are available for pilots in the airfield near runways, and in FAA published airport chart supplements. Specific safety complaints should be filed with the Federal Aviation Administration Flight Standards District Office at (818) 267-3300.
Full Breakdown
' The airport runs a voluntary Noise Advisory Program: 'Significant aircraft noise is defined in the state of California as Community Noise Equivalent Level (CNEL) 65 decibels (dB),' and noise abatement procedures are published to pilots through ATC ATIS broadcasts and FAA airport chart supplements. Aircraft access restrictions 'have the potential to violate the federal obligation to make the airport available for public use on reasonable terms and without unjust discrimination,' so the airport cannot ban specific aircraft types. The Santa Barbara County Airport Land Use Commission establishes an Airport Influence Area that must be disclosed in real-estate transactions for affected properties.
Specific safety complaints (low-altitude flight, unsafe operations) must be filed with the FAA Flight Standards District Office at (818) 267-3300; the airport logs noise complaints reported within 5 days of the occurrence.
Violations & Fines
There is no local penalty for aircraft noise. Safety violations are enforced by the FAA. Land-use incompatibility within the 65 CNEL contour is addressed through Santa Barbara County Airport Land Use Commission planning controls and real-estate disclosures, not through local noise citations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Santa Maria ban late-night flights at SMX?
Where do I report a low-flying aircraft?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Santa Maria
California rules heatmap·Compare Santa Maria to another location·View the California noise ordinances overview
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