Stamford, CT Noise Ordinances: Aircraft Noise (2026)
Key Facts
- Aircraft flight noise
- Exempted, FAA preempts regulation
- Governing section
- § 164-5(D)(6), Noise chapter
- Helicopter landing sites
- Restricted separately under Chapter 68
- Landing violation fine
- $250 under § 68-3.1
Summary
Stamford's noise ordinance exempts aircraft flight operations, including helicopters, from its local decibel limits because the FAA preempts aircraft noise regulation: the city's Chapter 164 noise code says so explicitly.
(6)Noise created by any aircraft flight operations, which are specifically preempted by the Federal Aviation Administration.(7)Noise created by any recreational activities which are permitted by law and for which a license or permit has been granted by the city, including, but not limited to, parades, sporting events, concerts and firework displays.(8)Noise created by blasting other than that conducted in connection with construction activities, provided that the blasting is conducted between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., local time, at specified hours previously announced to the local public, or provided that a permit for such blasting has been obtained from local authorities.(9)Noise created by refuse and solid waste collection, provided that the activity is conducted between 4:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m.(10)Sound created by any mobile source of noise. Mobile sources of noise shall include but are not limited to such sources as aircraft, automobiles, trucks and boats. However, notwithstanding this subsection, motor vehicles shall be subject to the standards set forth in section 164-7 hereof. Footnotes: --- (4) --- Editor's note—Amended 12-5-2016 by Ord. No. 1215; 5-1-2023 by Ord. No. 1294.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 72).
Full Breakdown
Chapter 164 sets decibel limits for noise crossing property lines by zone, but Section 164-5(D)(6) carves out 'noise created by any aircraft flight operations,' stating flight noise is 'specifically preempted by the Federal Aviation Administration', so helicopter overflight, and landing/takeoff noise, falls outside the city's own limits. Separately, Chapter 68 restricts where helicopters may land or take off on city-owned property (only at a designated facility, for medical emergencies, city-declared emergencies, or homeland security), but that provision addresses landing sites, not noise.
Violations & Fines
No local penalty applies to helicopter flight noise itself: it's outside city authority. Landing or taking off from public property without an authorized facility violates Chapter 68 and can draw a $250 fine under § 68-3.1.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I complain to the city about helicopter noise in Stamford?
Can helicopters land anywhere in Stamford?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Stamford
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