Aircraft noise in Tucson is governed primarily by federal FAA regulations and cannot be locally prohibited. However, Tucson and Pima County maintain Airport Environs Zones around Tucson International Airport and Davis-Monthan Air Force Base with disclosure requirements, construction restrictions, and sound attenuation standards for new residential development.
Davis-Monthan AFB generates significant noise from A-10 Thunderbolt, EC-130, and other military aircraft operations. The AFB publishes an Air Installation Compatible Use Zone (AICUZ) study identifying 65, 70, and 75 DNL noise contours. Properties within these contours carry mandatory disclosure obligations for sellers and landlords under AZ Rev Stat title 32 and Tucson UDC Section 3.7. New residential construction within high-noise zones requires enhanced wall, window, and door sound transmission class ratings. Complaints about aircraft noise should go to DM-AFB Public Affairs or the FAA, not city police, since local government cannot regulate flight operations.
Not applicable to aircraft operators. Developers who fail to meet AICUZ sound attenuation requirements face permit denial and building code citations through PDSD.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Pima County.
See how other cities in Pima County handle aircraft noise.
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