Tacoma, WA Noise Ordinances: Aircraft Noise (2026)
Key Facts
- Aircraft noise
- Fully exempt from noise code
- Exemption cite
- TMC § 8.122.140(F)
- Regulated by
- Federal aviation law instead
- Local complaint
- Not available under Chapter 8.122
Summary
Tacoma's noise ordinance exempts aircraft operations outright: helicopter and airplane noise isn't subject to the city's decibel or time-of-day limits under TMC § 8.122.140(F).
The operational performance standards established in this chapter shall not apply to any of the following noise sources:
A. Agricultural activities.
B. Unamplified bells, chimes, or carillons while being used in conjunction with ongoing religious or school activities, or as a function of a City landmark.
C. Emergency energy release and signal devices.
D. Emergency work conducted at the site of the emergency.
E. National Warning System (“NAWAS”): systems used to warn the community of an attack or imminent public danger, such as flooding, explosion, or hurricane.
F. Noise of aircraft operations.
G. Sounds originating from officially sanctioned parades and other public events when properly permitted under Chapter 11.15 of the Tacoma Municipal Code (“TMC”).
H. Sounds created by animals, which sounds shall be regulated under the provisions of Title 17 TMC.
I. Sounds created by motor vehicles, which sounds shall be regulated under the provisions of Chapter 8.12 TMC.
J. Sounds created by motor boats competing in a regatta or in a boat race, whether on trial runs or on official trial for speed records, authorized by the City under Chapter 9.35 TMC.
K. Sounds generated by a shooting range operated by a law enforcement agency.
L. Sounds generated by trains.
M.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4946110; v22 updated 2026-07-28).
Full Breakdown
Tacoma's noise ordinance (TMC ch. 8.122) sets decibel and time limits for most sound sources citywide, but § 8.122.140 lists blanket exemptions, and subsection F exempts "noise of aircraft operations" outright: regardless of decibel level or time of day. That means helicopter and airplane noise isn't subject to the city's ambient sound-level standards, variance process, or civil penalties under this chapter; aircraft noise is instead governed by federal aviation law. No local complaint under Chapter 8.122 can be filed over the noise level of an aircraft in flight.
Violations & Fines
Not applicable: aircraft noise is exempt from Chapter 8.122's standards entirely, so there's no city penalty tied to helicopter or airplane sound levels.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Tacoma limit helicopter or airplane noise?
Can I file a Tacoma noise complaint over helicopter flights?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Tacoma
Compare Tacoma to another location·View the Washington noise ordinances overview
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Aircraft Noise in Nearby Cities
How other cities in this county handle aircraft noise.