Can my city ban loud planes overhead?

No. Federal law preempts municipal regulation of aircraft in flight. California's state rules govern airport-side noise contours, but cities cannot impose flight path or altitude restrictions.

Who do I complain to about aircraft noise?

Contact the airport proprietor's noise office first, then Caltrans Division of Aeronautics for state-level concerns and the FAA for in-flight or air traffic control issues.

California Aircraft Noise Law: Statewide Noise Ordinances Rules (2026)

Key Facts

Standard: 65 dB CNEL boundary
Authority: Caltrans Aeronautics
Code: Title 21 CCR §5000+
Federal overlay: FAA preemption

Source: California Public Utilities Code 21669

Full Breakdown

California's Airport Noise Standards in Title 21, Division 2.5 of the California Code of Regulations cap acceptable airport noise impact at a 65 dB CNEL contour and require airport proprietors to monitor and mitigate excess noise on surrounding land uses. Cities and counties cannot directly regulate aircraft in flight because federal law (the Airline Deregulation Act and FAA Act) preempts local airspace rules, leaving California's Caltrans Division of Aeronautics as the principal state authority. Local jurisdictions retain only limited proprietor controls at airports they operate.

Violations & Penalties

Airport proprietors that fail to comply with the 65 dB CNEL standard may face state enforcement, loss of operating variance approvals, and civil liability to impacted residents through inverse condemnation actions.

Aircraft Noise Standards in California

Key Facts

Full Breakdown

Violations & Penalties

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources

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