Sherman, TX Noise Ordinances: Aircraft Noise (2026)

The aircraft rule is § 1.07.095(s) of the Sherman Code of Ordinances, adopted with the airport operating rules by Ordinance 6303 on 7/6/20 and amended by Ordinance 6523 on 9/6/2022. Its heading is "Altitude and noise of engines," and its operative sentence is a floor on altitude: no aircraft can be operated over the city below one thousand (1,000) feet above the ground. The city's method of keeping engine noise off residents is therefore a minimum height, not a measured sound level. A search of the full code finds no decibel figure anywhere.

Two other altitude provisions in the same section apply near the airport itself. Under § 1.07.095(i), recommended traffic pattern altitudes are 1,000 feet above ground level for piston powered airplanes and 1,500 feet AGL for turbine powered airplanes. Under § 1.07.095(j), aircraft cannot take off or land so as to clear a public street or highway at an altitude of less than fifteen (15) feet, or seventeen (17) feet over an interstate highway.

Model aircraft are handled by the general noise article instead. Section 8.07.003(12)(A) lists the flying of model aircraft powered by internal combustion engines, whether tethered or not, within a residential district or quiet zone, or within 500 feet of any residence or quiet zone, in such a manner as to cause a noise disturbance. Section 8.07.003(12)(B) applies the same test in a nonresidential district. In both, flying between 10:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. is a noise disturbance per se, meaning no extra evidence is needed. A quiet zone under § 8.07.002 is territory within 500 feet of a residential district or of a school, college, hospital, clinic, library or other noise-sensitive facility.

Relief exists. Under § 8.07.006 the assistant city manager can grant a permit of variance for undue hardship, or a special events noise variance for events not to exceed seven days, with a fee set by city council. Section 8.07.006(c) grants an automatic variance, without permit fees, for parades or other public events. Emergency and public service sounds are exempt under § 8.07.004. Under § 1.07.099, if the airport rules conflict with another city rule for the same area, the more stringent one governs, and the FAA's Federal Aviation Regulations prevail over both.