Tulare County, CA Noise Ordinances: Aircraft Noise (2026)
Key Facts
- Local aircraft noise ordinance
- None - preempted
- Preemption
- Federal/state (per General Plan Noise Element)
- Primary regulator
- Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
- County role
- Land-use planning near airports (60 CNEL contour)
- State framework
- Airport Land Use Commission (Pub. Util. Code 21670+)
Summary
Unincorporated Tulare County does not regulate aircraft noise. The County General Plan Noise Element states that aircraft operations are preempted by federal and state regulation and 'generally may not be addressed by a local noise control ordinance.' Aircraft noise is handled by the FAA and through airport land-use planning.
Noise from traffic on public roadways, railroad operations and aircraft operations is preempted by existing federal and/or state regulations. No noise-sensitive land uses which require approval under the Tulare County Zoning Ordinance or the Tulare County Subdivision Ordinance shall be permitted within the 60 CNEL contour of the public use airports identified in the Plan.
Full Breakdown
Aircraft noise in unincorporated Tulare County is not subject to a County operational noise ordinance because the field is preempted by higher law. ' Aircraft and airport operations are listed among the major noise sources the County considers for land-use planning, but the County's role is limited to compatible land-use planning around airports rather than restricting flights. The Noise Element provides that no noise-sensitive uses requiring a tentative or parcel map under the County Subdivision Ordinance are permitted within the 60 CNEL contour of the public-use airports identified in the Plan, and it relies on airport-related land-use compatibility planning. ) operate through Airport Land Use Commissions. Tulare County has no ordinance imposing decibel limits or curfews on aircraft.
Violations & Fines
Because aircraft noise is preempted, the County issues no citations for in-flight aircraft noise. Complaints about flight operations go to the operating airport or the FAA. The County's authority is exercised at the planning stage - limiting where noise-sensitive development may occur near airports (within the 60 CNEL contour) under the Subdivision Ordinance and General Plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Tulare County limit aircraft noise?
Where do I report aircraft noise?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Tulare County
California rules heatmap·Compare Tulare County to another location·View the California noise ordinances overview
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