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Imperial County, CA Noise Ordinances: Aircraft Noise (2026)

Few Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Exemption applies to
CUP-approved heliports/helistops
General limit otherwise
70-75 dB industrial cap
Governing code
§ 90702.00(E)
Requires
conditional use permit

Summary

Imperial County exempts helicopters operating at a heliport or helistop approved by conditional use permit from the county's general zone-based sound level limits.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Imperial County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

This section does not apply to noise generated by helicopters at heliports or helistops authorized by a conditional use permit.F.This section does not apply to noise generated by standard agricultural field operating practices such as planting and harvesting of crop. The county of Imperial has a Right to Farm Ordinance (1031) which serves as recognition to agricultural practices to new development. Agricultural/industrial operations shall comply with the noise levels prescribed under the general industrial zones.G.This section shall not apply to any activity performed by a city or the county in the discharge of a governmental function or responsibility provided that such city or the county has applied reasonable noise mitigation. (Prior code § 90702.00)

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 62 - 9-25).

Full Breakdown

Under County Code § 90702.00(E), the noise limits set in the general sound-level table, which cap residential noise at 45-55 dB and industrial noise at 70-75 dB, do not apply to helicopters using a heliport or helistop that holds a conditional use permit. A heliport must still go through the county's CUP process, which lets the planning commission impose site-specific conditions, but once approved, the aircraft noise itself is not subject to this division's numeric limits.

Violations & Fines

No standalone penalty: this is an exemption, not a prohibition. A heliport operating without the required conditional use permit is subject to Title 9's zoning enforcement and Title 1's general penalty provisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can any helicopter operator claim this exemption?
No: it applies only to helicopters using a heliport or helistop authorized through the county's conditional use permit process, not to helicopter noise generally.
What limit would apply without a CUP?
Without an approved heliport CUP, helicopter noise would be subject to the same zone-based sound level limits as any other source under § 90702.00(A).

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Imperial County

Parking Rules: Overnight ParkingSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Street Parking LimitsSome RestrictionsQuiet HoursSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Height LimitsSome RestrictionsBarking DogsSome RestrictionsAmplified Music & Outdoor SoundSome RestrictionsDecibel LimitsSome RestrictionsVehicle NoiseSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Abandoned VehiclesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Commercial & Oversized VehiclesSignificant RestrictionsLandscaping Rules: Tree Removal & Heritage TreesSignificant Restrictions

All Imperial County rules

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