How Delano Handles Noise Ordinances: A Practical Guide
Delano maintains 22 local ordinances across all categories, and 3 of those deal specifically with noise ordinances. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Delano falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.
Decibel Limits
Delano Development Code §20.10.90.2 uses walls, not a decibel figure, to manage noise where business districts meet homes. Under §20.10.90.2.c, screening between commercial or employment districts and adjacent existing or planned residential uses must be a decorative masonry wall sufficient for sound attenuation, with a minimum height of six (6) feet on the commercial side.
Key details: Code: Delano DC §20.10.90.2.b and §20.10.90.2.c. Wall type: Decorative masonry wall sufficient for sound attenuation. Min wall height: Six (6) feet on the commercial side. Front or street side yard setback: Reduced to forty (40) inches. Applies between: Commercial or employment districts and adjacent existing or planned residential uses.
Project conditions of approval may withhold building permits or certificates of occupancy until attenuation walls are installed and tested.
Quiet Hours
Delano regulates noise through the Development Code's noise hazard provisions (DMC §20.10.180), which apply standards drawn from the General Plan Noise Element to any property within the 65 dB CNEL noise contour.
Key details: Code: Delano Municipal Code §20.10.180. Residential Exterior Cap: 65 dB(A) CNEL. Residential Interior Cap: 45 dB(A) CNEL. Enforced By: Delano Code Enforcement / DPD.
Noise above the CNEL standards constitutes a nuisance enforceable by Delano Code Enforcement and the Delano Police Department. Mitigation measures (sound walls, building shell upgrades) may be required as a condition of any project approval.
Construction Hours
Delano's grading ordinance (DMC §20.10.100) authorizes the City to impose limits on the periods during which grading and earthmoving operations may occur, and construction noise is captured by the same 65 dB(A) CNEL exterior standard that protects residential neighborhoods.
Key details: Grading Code: Delano Municipal Code §20.10.100. Exterior Noise Cap: 65 dB(A) CNEL. Dust Rule: SJVAPCD Rule 8021.
Construction outside the authorized hours can trigger a stop-work order, building permit suspension, and code-enforcement citations. Repeated violations may delay final inspection or certificate of occupancy.
The Bottom Line
Delano'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 Delano is broadly strict or permissive.
Keep in mind that Delano can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, which shows when its source was last checked.