Yakima, WA Noise Ordinances: Aircraft Noise (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.
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?
What must the deed declaration say?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Yakima
Compare Yakima to another location·View the Washington noise ordinances overview
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