Camarillo's Noise from Specific Sources: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles noise from specific sources a little differently. In Camarillo, California, there are 2 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.

Generator Noise

Camarillo exempts standby generators from the city's noise ordinance entirely when they're running during a power outage, for maintenance, or for routine testing, under Municipal Code Sec. 10.34.120(F). A whole-house backup generator kicking on during a Southern California Edison outage can't be cited for exceeding the 45 dBA nighttime limit that otherwise applies to residential equipment.

Key details: Exempt uses: power outages, maintenance, testing. Governing section: Municipal Code Sec. 10.34.120(F). Added by: Ord. No. 2007, effective 4-12-2023. Non-exempt use penalty: misdemeanor, up to $1,000 fine. Underlying standard (non-exempt): 45 dBA residential, 9 p.m.-7 a.m..

There is no penalty for standby generator noise that falls within the Sec. 10.34.120(F) exemption; a citation under Chapter 10.34 requires a violation of the underlying noise standards, and the exemption removes that basis while a generator responds to an outage, undergoes maintenance, or is being tested. Noise from a generator run for any other purpose is treated like any other equipment violation: a misdemeanor under Sec. 1.12.060 with up to a $1,000 fine and six months in jail, or a reduced infraction under Sec. 1.12.070.

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

HVAC & Mechanical Noise

Camarillo prohibits air conditioners, fans, pumps and other mechanical equipment from creating noise that violates the city's noise standards under Municipal Code Sec. 10.34.110(D). For residential properties those standards cap exterior sound at 45 dBA between 9 p.m. and 7 a.m. and 55 dBA during the day under Sec. 10.34.040. The community development director enforces the rule and can order abatement.

Key details: Nighttime residential limit: 45 dBA, 9 p.m.-7 a.m.. Daytime residential limit: 55 dBA, 7 a.m.-9 p.m.. Governing section: Municipal Code Sec. 10.34.110(D). Pure-tone correction: minus 5 dBA (Sec. 10.34.060). Variance fee: $25, capped at 60 days.

A first HVAC noise citation is treated as a misdemeanor under Sec. 1.12.060, punishable by up to a $1,000 fine and six months in jail, unless the city attorney or a code enforcement officer reduces it to an infraction under Sec. 1.12.070, which carries escalating fines of $100, $200 and $500 for repeat violations of the same section within a year. The director may instead issue an abatement order giving the owner a reasonable window to quiet the equipment, and a persistently noisy unit can be declared a public nuisance subject to injunction.

The Bottom Line

Camarillo's noise from specific sources 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 Camarillo is broadly strict or permissive.

This guide is based on Camarillo's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.