Noise and Airspace

Most local government jurisdictions bordering DEN have recommended land use compatibility guidelines and/or have adopted zoning regulations to avoid incompatible land uses near the airport, but their policies and ordinances may differ. Depending on where your home is located, jurisdictional regulations or disclosures may apply. Sources for additional information include the following (other sources may exist).

Denver International Airport (DEN) Chapter 3-36 is intended to provide for non-residential land uses associated with aviation operations, roadways or passive uses while minimizing risks to public safety and hazards to aviation users, including those employed at public aviation facilities. The uses and standards established and enforced in the DEN District are listed in the link below and in Article IV of the Intergovernmental Agreement on the New Airport.

Airport Height Overlay (AHO) Chapter 3-37 is intended to provide for protection of residential and non-residential land uses in areas which may be subjected to frequent overflights by aircraft flying low to the ground upon an approach to landing, upon takeoff or operating in a traffic pattern at an aviation facility. Within this area, the hazards of natural and man-made objects may create severe hazards to aviation and must be regulated accordingly.

Adams County Airport Noise Overlay (ANO), Chapter 3-39 is intended to provide for protection of residential and non-residential land uses in areas which may be subjected to noise levels of such duration and frequency which would constitute a nuisance to residential and other uses.

https://adamscounty.municipalcodeonline.com/book?type=temp#name=CHAPTER_3_ZONE_DISTRICT_REGULATIONS

Arapahoe County Airport Influence Areas Map, which depicts the airport influence area boundaries and airport noise contours/land use restrictions, is not available on the county website, but copies may be obtained by contacting the Arapahoe County Planning Division, (720) 874-6650, or the Mapping Section, (720) 874-6500.

Arapahoe County Land Development Code, Chapter 2-5.1 AIA-O, Airport Influence Area 2-38

Building and Zoning Code of Aurora policies regarding development in the vicinity of the airport are found in Code Sections 146-800 to 146-822, (Airport Districts zoning codes) Article XI, Aircraft Noise Reduction.

View Zoning Codes

City of Brighton Community Development Department

Development Code

City of Commerce City Community Planning and Development Department

Land Use Approvals

Denver Zoning Code Article 9. Special Contexts and Districts, Division 9.5 Denver International Airport Zone District and 0-1 Zone

Special District Zoning Codes

Section 143 Aircraft Noise Reduction per Denver Building Code

Section 5-37 Airport Influence District in the Denver Revised Municipal Code

Notice for all residential dwelling units within the AIO, all prospective purchasers, in writing:

“(Residential address) is located within the proximity to Denver International Airport (DEN). The purchaser should be aware that (residential address) may be subject to overflights by commercial, general aviation or military aircraft, subject to noise, vibration, exhaust, air and vehicular traffic and other conditions associated with the operation of this international airport. DEN consists of six existing runways and is planned to have a total of twelve runways at full build out, additional runways will be constructed in the future, which could change and/or increase current flight operations at DEN. Also, future airfield support facilities could be constructed on airport property with additional access roads resulting in increasing vehicular traffic and noise near (residential address).”

DEN Development Contour