Livermore's Noise from Specific Sources: The Rules That Matter
Every city handles noise from specific sources a little differently. In Livermore, California, there are 3 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.
HVAC & Mechanical Noise
Livermore Municipal Code Sec. 9.36.040 bans any noise-creating blower, power fan or internal combustion engine unless it is muffled enough to stay inaudible 75 feet from the source, and bars operation outright during the code's restricted evening, weekend and city-holiday hours.
Key details: Governing section: LMC Sec. 9.36.040. Audibility standard: Not audible at 75 feet. Weeknight cutoff: 8:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.. Weekend cutoff: 6:00 p.m. Sat to 7:00 a.m. Mon. Holidays: Prohibited entirely.
A first offense is an infraction under LMC Section 1.16.010, with the fine amount set by Government Code Section 36900. Each day the noisy equipment continues to run counts as a separate violation under Section 1.16.040. A third infraction citation for the same violation is charged as a misdemeanor, punishable under Penal Code Section 19.
Delivery Truck Noise
Livermore Municipal Code Sec. 9.36.060 makes it unlawful to create loud or excessive noise while loading or unloading a vehicle, or while opening and breaking down bales, boxes, crates and containers, without any time-of-day carve-out or numeric decibel threshold.
Key details: Governing section: LMC Sec. 9.36.060. Covers: Loading/unloading, crate/box breakdown. Standard: "Loud and excessive noise", no decibel figure. Time restriction: None specified in this section. First offense: Infraction, LMC Sec. 1.16.010.
A violation of Section 9.36.060 is an infraction under LMC Section 1.16.010, with fines set by Government Code Section 36900. Repeated citations for the same loading-dock noise escalate to a misdemeanor after a third infraction, under Penal Code Section 19, and each day of continuing noise is a separate offense under Section 1.16.040.
Livermore is more permissive than most cities when it comes to delivery truck noise. That said, there are still limits.
Generator Noise
Livermore Municipal Code Section 9.36.040 bans any noise-creating internal combustion engine, including a portable generator, unless it is muffled enough not to be plainly audible 75 feet from the source, or it only runs during the code's restricted overnight and weekend hours. A generator that is loud beyond 75 feet during quiet hours violates the section regardless of how it is being used.
Key details: Audibility limit: Not audible beyond 75 feet. Restricted hours: Nights/weekends and city holidays. Governing section: LMC §9.36.040. Penalty: Infraction under LMC §1.16.010 (default). Exception: City engineer/building official can authorize hours.
Chapter 9.36 has no penalty section of its own, so a Section 9.36.040 violation is enforced as an infraction under the citywide schedule in Section 1.16.010, fined per Government Code Section 36900. A person who racks up a fourth infraction citation for the same conduct is instead charged with a misdemeanor under Section 1.16.010(B) and Penal Code Section 19.
The Bottom Line
Livermore'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 Livermore is broadly strict or permissive.
All of the above reflects Livermore's municipal code as of our last review. If you need specifics on fines, exemptions, or filing requirements, the detailed ordinance pages linked above have the full breakdown.