Aircraft noise around Albert Whitted Airport is preempted by federal FAA rules, but St. Petersburg's Chapter 16 zoning overlay imposes land use and disclosure requirements near the airport.
Federal Aviation Administration regulations under 14 CFR Part 91 preempt local control over in-flight aircraft noise, so the City of St. Petersburg cannot directly limit decibels from planes operating at Albert Whitted Airport (KSPG) or St. Pete-Clearwater International (KPIE). The City instead manages compatible land use through Section 16.30.010 (Albert Whitted Airport Overlay) of the Land Development Regulations, which restricts building heights, residential density, and certain noise-sensitive uses within the airport influence area. Chapter 6 (Aviation) governs ground-side airport operations such as engine run-ups and apron activity. Complaints about specific flights should go to the FAA noise hotline or the airport directly.
City enforcement applies to ground-based and land-use violations under Chapters 6 and 16. In-flight noise complaints are forwarded to the FAA, which has exclusive authority.
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St. Petersburg, FL
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