The Hayward Airport has a number of policies that are supposed to minimize noise impacts of airport operations on neighboring residents. The most important of these are a city ordinance limiting the noise level of aircraft using the airport and a recommendation (not a requirement) that pilots turn away from San Lorenzo homes when taking off (see the air traffic map). It also has established preferred (not mandatory) routes for helicopters flying into and out of the airport. For more details, see "Aircraft Noise Management" at the airport's official website.

The airport manager prepares an annual evaluation of the city's aircraft noise ordinance. The report reports statistics on violations of the ordinance and complaints, and discusses whether the ordinance is successful in reducing noise in nearby residential areas.

Airport management reviews noise monitor data and complaints from nearby residents to determine whether noise is a public nuisance. If you live near the airport and are annoyed by the noise of a low-flying plane over your home, call the noise hotline, which is open 24 hours a day. See About Noise Complaints.