Noise Ordinances in Clovis, CA: What Residents Actually Need to Know

If you live in Clovis or are thinking about moving there, noise ordinances are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Clovis has 9 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of noise ordinances, and some of them might surprise you.

Leaf Blower Rules

Clovis allows gas and electric leaf blowers during construction hours (7 AM-7 PM). No outright ban. CA AB 1346 phases out new gas-powered sales statewide starting 2024.

Key details: Local Ban: None. Allowed Hours: 7 AM - 7 PM. State Law: AB 1346 sales ban. Existing Gas: Still legal to use. Noise Limit: 65 dBA property line.

Industrial Noise

Industrial noise in Clovis capped at 70 dBA at receiving property line (commercial/industrial zones). Residential-adjacent facilities must meet 55/65 dBA residential limits.

Key details: Industrial Day: 70 dBA. Industrial Night: 60 dBA. Residential Border: 55/65 dBA applies. Air District: SJVAPCD. CUP Risk: Repeat violations.

Code Enforcement citations $500-$1,000. Persistent violators may lose Conditional Use Permit.

Aircraft Noise

Clovis has no local aircraft noise ordinance. The City is about 8 miles from Fresno Yosemite International Airport, and CMC 9.22.080(F)(4) exempts federally preempted activities.

Key details: Nearest Airport: Fresno Yosemite Intl (FAT). Distance: Approx. 8 miles SW. Local Ordinance: None (federal preemption). Exemption: CMC 9.22.080(F)(4).

No local aircraft noise violations. Aircraft noise is federally preempted. Complaints may be directed to Fresno Yosemite International Airport noise office.

The rules around aircraft noise in Clovis lean permissive, but that does not mean anything goes.

Outdoor Music

CMC 5.27.603 requires permits for amplified outdoor music audible beyond property lines. Vehicle-mounted sound devices are banned on streets under CMC 5.27.608.

Key details: Code Sections: CMC 5.27.603, 5.27.607, 5.27.608. Amplified Sound: Permit required. Residential Day Limit: 55 dBA. Vehicle Sound Devices: Prohibited on streets.

Amplified sound without permit: misdemeanor under CMC 5.27.603. Vehicle sound device violations: misdemeanor under CMC 5.27.608. General noise violations: administrative citation or misdemeanor.

Decibel Limits

CMC 9.22.080 sets residential exterior limits at 55 dBA day and 50 dBA night (15-min Leq). Interior limits are 45/40 dBA. Impulsive noise may exceed the standard by up to 20 dBA.

Key details: Code Section: CMC 9.22.080 Tables 3-1 & 3-2. Residential Exterior Day: 55 dBA (15-min Leq). Residential Exterior Night: 50 dBA (15-min Leq). Residential Interior Night: 40 dBA. Impulsive Noise Allowance: +20 dBA above standard.

Exceeding decibel standards: violation of CMC 9.22.080 and 5.27.605. Enforceable as misdemeanor or infraction. Administrative citation under Chapter 1.7. Nuisance abatement under Chapters 5.28-5.29.

Amplified Music & Events

Amplified music audible beyond the property line during quiet hours violates CMC §5.24. Special event sound permits required for Old Town Clovis events.

Key details: Day Limit: 65 dBA. Night Limit: 55 dBA. Event Permit: Required outdoors. Cutoff: Typically 10 PM. Fine Range: $100-$500.

$100-$500 infraction. Equipment may be confiscated as evidence. Repeat offenders face misdemeanor charges under CA PC §415.

Construction Hours

Construction in Clovis permitted 7 AM-7 PM Mon-Sat. No Sunday or federal holiday construction without a permit. City projects exempt.

Key details: Weekday Hours: 7 AM - 7 PM. Saturday: 7 AM - 7 PM. Sunday: Prohibited. Holidays: Prohibited. Emergency Work: Requires approval.

Stop-work order possible. Infractions carry $100-$500 fines per day of violation.

Barking Dogs

Clovis Municipal Code §6.04 prohibits habitual barking/noise from dogs. Continuous barking 10+ minutes or intermittent 30+ minutes can be cited as a nuisance.

Key details: Continuous: 10+ min = nuisance. Intermittent: 30+ min in hour. Enforcement: Central CA SPCA. First Step: Warning letter. Code: CMC Title 6.

Warning letter first. Continued violations: $100 first citation, $200 second, $500+ third within 12 months.

Quiet Hours

Clovis Municipal Code Chapter 5.24 prohibits loud/unreasonable noise 10 PM-7 PM. Residential max 55 dBA night, 65 dBA day at property line.

Key details: Quiet Hours: 10 PM - 7 AM. Night Limit: 55 dBA residential. Day Limit: 65 dBA residential. Code: CMC Ch. 5.24. Enforcement: Clovis PD.

First offense typically a warning; subsequent infractions $100-$500. Repeat/egregious violations can be charged as misdemeanors under CA PC §415.

The Bottom Line

Clovis's noise ordinances rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Clovis is broadly strict or permissive.

These rules come from Clovis's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.