4-10.4 - Exterior Noise Standards. Daytime ( a.m. to p.m.) Nighttime ( p.m. to a.m.) For example, this means the measured noise level may not exceed fifty-five (55) dB(A) for more than thirty (30) minutes out of any one (1) hour time period.
Under Penal Code § 415 PC, California law defines the crime of disturbing the peace as doing any of the following: playing excessively loud music, fighting in public, or. using certain offensive language or fighting words.
California Penal Code 415 describes the crime of disturbing the peace, which covers a broad range of public disruptive behavior – such as loud arguments, loud noises, challenges to fight someone, and even offensive words that might provoke a violent and immediate reaction from another person.
Most local ordinances include "quiet times." A typical ordinance prohibits loud noises between 11 p.m. and 7 or 8 a.m. on weekdays and 11 p.m. or midnight until 8 to 10 a.m. on Sundays and holidays. It is worthwhile to check your local ordinance before making formal complaint so that you can cite the law.
372. Every person who maintains or commits any public nuisance, the punishment for which is not otherwise prescribed, or who willfully omits to perform any legal duty relating to the removal of a public nuisance, is guilty of a misdemeanor. (Enacted 1872.)
Most local ordinances include "quiet times." A typical ordinance prohibits loud noises between 11 p.m. and 7 or 8 a.m. on weekdays and 11 p.m. or midnight until 8 to 10 a.m. on Sundays and holidays. It is worthwhile to check your local ordinance before making formal complaint so that you can cite the law.
For residential environments, the accepted decibel level is lower. Any noise exceeding 70 dB is considered disturbing. Residential limits usually start at 60 or 55 dB (the equivalent noise of a regular vacuum cleaner). Time limits usually apply after 10 pm and until 7 am.
Specifically, residential properties can't exceed an average one-hour sound level of 60 decibels from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. During the day, from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., residential properties can't exceed an average sound level of 65 decibels.
Any noise exceeding 70 dB is considered disturbing. Residential limits usually start at 60 or 55 dB (the equivalent noise of a regular vacuum cleaner).