Utica's city code does not set aircraft noise limits; regulation of aircraft in flight is preempted by the federal government (FAA). The city code does address noisy powered model aircraft, treating them like any other prohibited noise source.
Federal law preempts local regulation of aircraft flight noise, so the City of Utica sets no decibel or curfew rule for airplanes or helicopters, which fall under the Federal Aviation Administration and federal aviation noise programs. Utica's noise code does reach "powered model vehicles," including model airplanes: Section 2-15-57(2) makes it unlawful to operate any source of sound including a power model vehicle or model airplane in a manner that violates the noise division, so a loud drone or model plane can be cited under the general and zone-limit noise rules.
Real aircraft complaints go to the FAA or airport operator. Model-aircraft and drone noise is enforced as a city noise violation under Sec. 2-15-57(2)/2-15-59.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Utica, NY
Animal hoarding in Utica is handled under New York's cruelty law. Keeping so many animals that they lack proper food, water, or sanitary conditions is a clas...
Utica, NY
Utica has no ordinance banning residential backyard composting. Home compost bins are allowed, but a pile that becomes odorous, attracts rodents, or accumula...
Utica, NY
Utica has no ordinance specifically permitting or banning artificial turf for residential lawns. Synthetic grass is generally allowed, though front-yard or l...
Utica, NY
Utica does not mandate native plants, and its zoning planting standards allow varied landscaping as long as it's maintained weed-free and orderly. Naturalize...
Utica, NY
Utica has no ordinance restricting or requiring residential rainwater harvesting. New York State broadly allows rain barrels and cisterns for outdoor, non-po...
Utica, NY
Utica has no municipal lawn-watering or sprinkler ban ordinance. Water is supplied by the regional Mohawk Valley Water Authority (MVWA), which sets conservat...
See how Utica's aircraft noise rules stack up against other locations.
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