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 5 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of noise ordinances, and some of them might surprise you.

Barking Dogs

Barking dogs and other animals that create excessive noise violate Clovis Municipal Code § 6.1.701, a misdemeanor unless the City Attorney charges it as an infraction. Animal Services escalates through a warning, then two rounds of administrative citations, and orders the animal permanently removed from the City after a third sustained complaint within 18 months.

Key details: Base offense: Misdemeanor or infraction (§6.1.701). 1st offense: Written warning. 2nd offense: Administrative citation. 3rd offense (18-mo window): Citation plus removal order. Removal failure: Separate misdemeanor.

A first substantiated barking complaint typically draws a written warning under § 6.1.702(a); a second draws a first-level administrative citation, and a third or later offense within 18 months triggers both an administrative citation and, under § 6.1.703, an order to permanently remove the animal from Clovis, a failure the City can prosecute as a separate misdemeanor. The base offense under § 6.1.701 is a misdemeanor unless charged as an infraction, and the officer may impound the animal at the owner's expense at any stage.

Vehicle Noise

Clovis bans playing a car stereo, radio, or any other sound amplifier loud enough to produce loud and raucous noises from a vehicle on any public street, alley, or thoroughfare in the city. Municipal Code Section 5.27.608 sits in the Nuisances chapter and is enforced alongside the City's general noise-nuisance and quiet-hours rules.

Key details: Governing section: Municipal Code § 5.27.608. Prohibited: loud car stereos/amplifiers on public streets. Quiet hours (general noise): 10 pm-7 am weekdays, 11 pm-7 am Fri/Sat. Enforcing agency: Clovis Police Department. Max penalty: $1,000 fine or 6 months jail.

A vehicle-noise nuisance under Section 5.27.601 can be abated by the City through an order requiring the noise to stop, and the person making the noise, or controlling the vehicle or premises, is subject to citation or arrest. Absent a specific infraction designation, a violation defaults to a misdemeanor under Section 1.2.01, punishable by up to a $1,000 fine and/or six months in jail, or a graduated infraction fine up to $500 for repeat offenses.

Amplified Music & Outdoor Sound

Clovis bars amplified sound equipment, including speakers, PA systems and amplified music, between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m. Friday and Saturday nights and between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. every other night unless the sound stays enclosed inside a residence or building. Police cite violators as a public nuisance.

Key details: Weeknight curfew: 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.. Fri/Sat curfew: 11:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.. Indoor exception: Enclosed buildings exempt. Enforcing agency: Clovis Police Department. Governing section: CMC § 5.27.603.

A first offense is typically charged as an infraction citation issued by the Clovis Police Department on scene when amplified sound continues past the curfew hour; repeated or willful violations can be charged as a misdemeanor and the source of the noise ordered to cease immediately as a nuisance abatement action.

Quiet Hours

Clovis bans loud sporting, business, or social activity on private property from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. on weeknights and 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. on Friday and Saturday nights if it disturbs the neighborhood's peace. Police enforce it citywide with exceptions for permitted public events and school activities.

Key details: Weeknight quiet hours: 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.. Fri/Sat quiet hours: 11:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.. Covers: Sporting, business, social activity. Enforcing agency: Clovis Police Department. Governing section: CMC § 5.27.602.

Clovis Police can cite the responsible person, or whoever controls the premises where the disturbance is happening, on the spot; the City may separately issue an abatement order requiring the activity to cease, and repeat violations can escalate to misdemeanor charges under Chapter 5.27's general nuisance-enforcement provisions.

Construction Hours

Clovis limits construction activity to 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends, with an earlier 6 a.m. weekday start allowed from June 1 through September 15. Working outside a permit's approved hours is a nuisance violation.

Key details: Weekday hours: 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.. Weekend hours: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.. Summer early start: 6:00 a.m. weekdays, Jun 1-Sep 15. Extended hours: Require express permit. Governing section: CMC § 5.27.604.

Working outside the 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekday or 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekend window without a permit authorizing extended hours is a nuisance violation subject to citation by Clovis code enforcement or police, and the City can order the work to stop; a contractor operating stationary equipment like generators next to homes without required sound attenuation faces the same enforcement.

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.