Waco, TX Noise Ordinances: Aircraft Noise (2026)
Key Facts
- AO-1 range
- 65-70 Ldn noise contour
- AO-2 range
- 70-75 Ldn noise contour
- AO-3 range
- Beyond 75 Ldn noise contour
- New AO-1 homes
- Must achieve 25 dB outdoor-to-indoor noise reduction
- Permit required
- Chief building official permit for new uses/structures
- Adopted
- Ord. No. 1997-8, March 18, 1997
Summary
Waco's airport overlay district divides land around the airport into three noise contour rings, AO-1, AO-2, and AO-3, based on yearly day-night average sound level (Ldn) readings, and restricts which land uses are compatible in each ring to keep noise-sensitive development away from the loudest flight paths.
(a)Airport noise zones are established within the controlled compatible land use area for the purpose of regulating the development of noise sensitive land uses, to promote compatibility between the airport and surrounding land uses, and to protect the airport from incompatible encroachments.(b)Zones. The boundaries of said zones are established as shown in section 28-875, "Airport overlay zones" and are identified as follows:(1)Airport overlay—1 (AO-1) is that area within the controlled compatible land use area between the 65 Ldn and the 70 Ldn noise contours.(2)Airport overlay—2 (AO-2) is that area within the controlled compatible land use area between the 70 Ldn and the 75 Ldn noise contours.(3)Airport overlay—3 (AO-3) is that area within the controlled compatible land use area beyond the 75 Ldn noise contour.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 88).
Full Breakdown
201. AO-1 covers the band between the 65 and 70 Ldn contours, AO-2 the band between 70 and 75 Ldn, and AO-3 everything beyond the 75 Ldn contour, the loudest zone closest to the runways. Each zone limits which land uses are compatible under the "compatible land uses table" referenced in Section 28-874, layered on top of the property's base zoning district under the airport overlay (AO) designation established in Section 28-864; for example, a lot zoned O-2 within the loudest ring carries an O-2 (A3) designation.
Section 28-867 softens the impact on existing residential property: homes lawfully in place before the overlay was adopted may be repaired and enlarged without increasing dwelling unit count, and vacant platted lots zoned for single-family use may still be built on if other requirements are met, though new residential construction within AO-1 must achieve at least a 25 dB outdoor-to-indoor noise level reduction. Section 28-868 requires a permit from the chief building official for any new use or structure in the overlay, and if the intended use is inconsistent with the noise-zone regulations, the applicant must obtain a variance from the board of adjustment showing that literal application of the rule would create unnecessary hardship. The airport overlay division was adopted March 18, 1997 (Ord. No. 1997-8).
Violations & Fines
Building or converting a use within the airport overlay without the required Section 28-868 permit, or in violation of the compatible-use table for that noise zone, is a zoning violation the chief building official can deny at the permit stage; an owner who disagrees with a use restriction must seek a variance from the board of adjustment rather than proceed without approval. New residential construction in AO-1 that fails to document the required 25 dB outdoor-to-indoor noise reduction can be denied a certificate of occupancy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ldn and how does Waco use it to zone airport noise?
Can I still build a house in Waco's airport noise zones?
Do I need a permit to build within Waco's airport overlay district?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Waco
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