Tracy, CA Noise Ordinances: Aircraft Noise (2026)

The AO Zone, adopted under Article 27 of Chapter 10.08, exists to keep incompatible development away from Tracy Municipal Airport's approach paths (section 10.08.3600). Section 10.08.3620 lists the restrictions layered on top of whatever the underlying zone otherwise allows. Subsection (f), Noise limits, states that no noise sensitive use as defined in the General Plan shall be permitted within the 1997 60 DB Noise Contour Line of the airport without sound attenuating construction practices. The contour extends beyond the airport property into surrounding residential and commercial parcels along the approach and departure paths.

The noise standard sits alongside a broader package of AO restrictions in the same section: specified land uses, including residential development, hotels, motels, restaurants, bars, schools, hospitals and concert halls, are barred outright within the inner 5,000 feet of the runway approach surface; structural coverage there is capped at 25 percent of net lot area; density is capped at 25 people per acre; and no structure or tree may pierce the horizontal, conical, transitional or approach surfaces defined in section 10.08.3610. A use that skips subsection (f) is not a use permitted or conditionally permitted in the AO Zone under the opening line of 10.08.3620, so the Community Development Department will not approve site plans or building permits for a noise-sensitive project inside the contour until the applicant documents sound-attenuating construction, such as upgraded wall and roof insulation or window glazing.