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Yakima, WA Noise Ordinances: Aircraft Noise (2026)

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

Key Facts

Applies to
Airport Safety Overlay Zone 4A
Requirement
Recorded deed declaration, County auditor
Covers
Noise, vibration, fumes, dust, particulates
Effect
Precondition of development approval
Governing code
YMC Chapter 15.30

Summary

Development in Yakima's airport overlay Zone 4A must record a deed declaration acknowledging aircraft noise, vibration, fumes and dust before the city will approve it, and indemnify the city against related claims.

Any Class (2) development which occurs within zone 4A prior to the extension of the runway shall be required, as a precedent condition of approval, to record a deed declaration with the Yakima County auditor which specifically recognizes the preexistence of the airport and the right of aircraft over flight, as well as acknowledging and accepting all responsibility for exposure to noise, vibration, fumes, dust and fuel particulates, as may be inherent in the operation of aircraft. In addition to these conditions, all Class (2) development within zone 4A shall be subject to a recorded deed restriction providing the city with an absolute indemnification with regard to any adverse impacts resulting from or claimed to result from effects of aircraft over flight. Land Use Overlay 3 (Zone 5—Sideline Safety Zone): Uses within the sideline safety zone (zone 5) may be permitted by the administrative official if the use is determined to be compatible with the zoning district and Appendix F of the Airports and Compatible Land Use Guidebook of the Washington State Department of Transportation Aviation Division.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4980636; v1 updated 2026-08-03; through 08-03-2026).

Full Breakdown

Yakima's Airport Safety Overlay (YMC Ch. 15.30) surrounds the Yakima Air Terminal at McAllister Field with six safety zones under FAA Part 77. Aircraft noise itself is federally regulated, not locally limited, but the city requires notice: any Class 2 development in Zone 4A must, as a precondition of approval, record a deed declaration with the Yakima County auditor recognizing the airport's preexistence, accepting the right of aircraft overflight, and acknowledging responsibility for noise, vibration, fumes, dust and fuel particulates, plus a deed restriction indemnifying the city for aircraft-overflight impacts. Section 15.30.070(D) requires a similar aviation easement for uses within the approach, transitional and conical surface areas.

Violations & Fines

Building in Zone 4A without the recorded deed declaration and indemnification is grounds for the city to withhold development approval; the recording is a precedent condition, not an optional formality.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Yakima limit aircraft noise from the airport?
No: aircraft noise and flight operations are federally regulated by the FAA. The city instead requires nearby property to formally acknowledge noise exposure through recorded deed declarations before development.
What must the deed declaration say?
It must recognize the airport's preexistence and the right of aircraft overflight, and accept responsibility for noise, vibration, fumes, dust and fuel particulates before Zone 4A development is approved.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Yakima

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