Takoma Park, MD Noise Ordinances: Aircraft Noise (2026)

Takoma Park's noise control ordinance (Chapter 14.12) explicitly excludes noise from aircraft in its list of exemptions, along with railroads and motor vehicles on public roads. The city is located approximately 8 miles northeast of Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) and roughly 10 miles northwest of Joint Base Andrews, resulting in intermittent aircraft noise from commercial and military flights. Under federal law, local governments cannot regulate aircraft noise, as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has exclusive authority over airspace and flight paths. The FAA Modernization and Reform Act reinforces federal preemption of local aircraft noise regulations. Residents concerned about aircraft noise can file complaints with the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA) noise office for DCA-related flights or with the Andrews Air Force Base community liaison for military aircraft. Takoma Park's location along the DC border means some flight paths pass over or near the city, particularly during certain wind conditions that alter approach and departure routes. The city's Nuclear Free Zone designation and progressive politics have not extended to aircraft noise advocacy at the federal level, as this remains outside municipal authority.