San Bernardino's Noise Ordinances: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles noise ordinances a little differently. In San Bernardino, California, there are 9 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Industrial Noise

Industrial noise limits in San Bernardino follow Development Code 19.20.030 standards, with exterior caps of 70 to 75 dBA depending on zone. SCAQMD Rules 444 and 445 regulate stationary sources.

Key details: Code: Development Code 19.20.030(15). Industrial Cap: 70 to 75 dBA exterior. Abutting Residential: 55 dBA at shared boundary. Regional Rules: SCAQMD Rules 444 and 445.

Citation, stop-work, or conditional use permit revocation for repeated exceedances.

Aircraft Noise

Aircraft noise is preempted by the FAA and not subject to local San Bernardino enforcement. San Bernardino International Airport (SBD) and nearby March Field generate regular overflights.

Key details: Primary Jurisdiction: FAA (federal). Major Airport: San Bernardino International (SBD). Local Authority: None for flight operations. Complaint Path: SBD Authority or FAA Noise Portal.

Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.

If you are coming from a city with tighter rules, you will find San Bernardino gives residents more flexibility on aircraft noise.

Outdoor Music

Outdoor concerts, backyard parties, and festivals in San Bernardino must stay within SBMC Chapter 8.54 limits. Large or amplified events typically require a special event permit from the city.

Key details: Code: SBMC Chapter 8.54. Event Permits: Required for amplified outdoor events. Baseline Day Limit: About 55 dBA at property line. Equipment Seizure: Authorized under 8.54.030.

Citation under SBMC 8.54; revocation of event permit; equipment impoundment under 8.54.030.

Amplified Music & Events

Amplified music audible beyond property lines during quiet hours violates SBMC Chapter 8.54. Police can issue citations and impound sound equipment under SBMC 8.54.030.

Key details: Code: SBMC Chapter 8.54. Equipment Impoundment: Authorized under 8.54.030. Daytime Limit: About 55 dBA at property line. Police Non-Emergency: 909-384-5742.

Citation under SBMC 8.54; equipment impoundment under 8.54.030; potential misdemeanor for repeat offenders.

Leaf Blower Rules

San Bernardino limits leaf blower use to construction-hour windows. California AB 1346 banned sale of new gas-powered small off-road engines including leaf blowers beginning in 2024.

Key details: Local Code: SBMC Chapter 8.54. State Ban (new sales): AB 1346 effective 2024. Permitted Hours: 7 AM to 7 PM, Mon to Sat. Regional Air Agency: SCAQMD.

Citation under SBMC 8.54 for use outside permitted hours; state enforcement for sale of banned equipment.

Decibel Limits

San Bernardino sets exterior limits of about 55 dBA day and 50 dBA night in residential zones, 65 dBA in commercial, and 70 to 75 dBA in industrial zones under Development Code 19.20.030(15).

Key details: Residential Day: 55 dBA. Residential Night: 50 dBA. Commercial: About 65 dBA. Industrial: 70 to 75 dBA. Method: Type 2 meter at property line.

Citation under SBMC 8.54 and Development Code 19.20.030(15); documented with calibrated dBA readings.

Barking Dogs

Chronic barking is a nuisance under SBMC 8.30.020(L) and the noise control provisions of Chapter 8.54. San Bernardino County Animal Care and Control handles complaints at 909-386-9820.

Key details: Code: SBMC 8.30.020(L) and 8.54. Animal Control: 909-386-9820. Complaint Log: Dates, times, duration recommended. Licensing: County dog license required.

Warning letter, citation under SBMC 8.30.020(L), or abatement order after documented complaints.

Quiet Hours

San Bernardino Municipal Code Chapter 8.54 sets quiet hours from 10 PM to 7 AM weekdays and 10 PM to 9 AM weekends and holidays. Exterior residential limits are about 55 dBA day and 50 dBA night.

Key details: Weekday Quiet: 10 PM to 7 AM. Weekend Quiet: 10 PM to 9 AM. Residential Day Limit: 55 dBA exterior. Residential Night Limit: 50 dBA exterior. Code: SBMC Chapter 8.54.

Citation under SBMC 8.54; nuisance under SBMC 8.30.020(L); equipment may be impounded under 8.54.030.

Construction Hours

Construction is permitted 7 AM to 7 PM Monday through Saturday in San Bernardino. No construction on Sundays or federal holidays. Early starts are common because of Inland Empire summer heat.

Key details: Weekday Hours: 7 AM to 7 PM, Mon to Sat. Sunday and Holidays: Prohibited without special permit. Enforcement: Code Enforcement and Police. Phone: 909-384-5122.

Citation for work outside permitted hours; stop-work orders possible for repeat violations.

The Bottom Line

San Bernardino'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 San Bernardino is broadly strict or permissive.

Keep in mind that San Bernardino can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.