Aircraft overflight noise is regulated by the FAA and is preempted from local control. The County applies the State 65 dB CNEL standard around Watsonville Municipal Airport for compatible land uses (Calif. Public Utilities Code § 21669 et seq.; SCCC General Plan Noise Element).
Chapter 9 (Noise) of the Santa Cruz County General Plan states: 'The state standard for residential uses is 65 dB CNEL. See Chapter 2 Land Use Element, Section 2.25 Airport Land Use Compatibility for additional information addressing aircraft noise.' The Plan further notes that 'noise levels from aircraft of all other airports located outside the County of Santa Cruz are below the State 65 dB CNEL standard.' Direct regulation of aircraft operations and overflights is preempted by the Federal Aviation Act and FAA regulations (14 CFR Part 161); the County's role is limited to land-use compatibility planning around Watsonville Municipal Airport via the Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan and SCCC Chapter 13.15 Noise Planning § 13.15.090(B)(2) (interior standards for new development inside the 60-65 dB Ldn future contour). California Public Utilities Code §§ 21669 et seq. (Airport Noise Standards) and 21 CCR § 5000 et seq. set the state's enforceable 65 dB CNEL standard. Santa Cruz County Code Chapter 8.30 does not regulate aircraft noise.
Aircraft noise complaints should be directed to the FAA Noise Complaint Service (https://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/headquarters_offices/apl/noise_emissions/airport_aircraft_noise_issues) or to Watsonville Municipal Airport management. The County cannot cite a pilot or aircraft operator for noise; it can only enforce land-use compatibility through the permitting process.
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