Noise Ordinances in Bakersfield, CA (2026)
9 verified noise ordinances for Bakersfield, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Quiet Hours
Bakersfield Municipal Code Chapter 9.22 prohibits any loud, unnecessary noise that disturbs the peace or quiet of any neighborhood, or that causes discomfort or annoyance to persons residing within 1,000 feet of the source (BMC 9.22.030). Nighttime is defined as 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. for specific uses such as refrigerator trucks operating in commercial or manufacturing zones near residential properties. California Penal Code Section 415 (disturbing the peace) also applies. Violations are punishable as infractions or misdemeanors under BMC 1.40.010, with infraction fines of $50 first offense, $100 second within one year, and $250 each additional within one year. Misdemeanors carry up to $1,000 fine and up to six months in county jail.
Bakersfield Noise Quiet Hours
Some RestrictionsConstruction Hours
Bakersfield BMC §9.22.050 restricts construction noise to 6am–9pm weekdays and 8am–9pm weekends. Construction includes grading and excavation work.
Bakersfield Construction Noise Hours
Some RestrictionsBarking Dogs
Bakersfield Municipal Code 6.04.230 prohibits keeping any animal, bird, or fowl that by sound or cry unreasonably disturbs the peace or interferes with the comfortable enjoyment of life or property in the neighborhood. Complaints are received and investigated by the Chief of Police; in practice, animal control is handled by Kern County Animal Services for the City of Bakersfield.
Bakersfield Barking Dog and Noisy Animal Ordinance
Some RestrictionsLeaf Blower Rules
Bakersfield does not ban gas-powered leaf blowers citywide, but their use is constrained by the Bakersfield Municipal Code noise chapter and San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District rules. Operation during early morning, late evening, or nighttime hours can trigger a noise violation, and poorly maintained two-stroke units may draw SJVAPCD attention on Air Alert days.
Bakersfield Leaf Blower Rules
Some RestrictionsCalifornia Health and Safety Code Sec. 43018.11 (added by AB 1346, 2021 - Zero-Emission Small Off-Road Engine Mandate, Including Gas Leaf Blowers)
43018.11. (a) (1) By July 1, 2022, the state board shall, consistent with federal law, adopt cost-effective and technologically feasible regulations to prohibit engine exhaust and evaporative emissions from new small off-road engines, as defined by the state board. Those regulations shall apply to engines produced on or after January 1, 2024, or as soon as the state board determines is feasible...
Amplified Music & Events
Amplified music in Bakersfield is regulated under Bakersfield Municipal Code Chapter 9.22, which makes it unlawful to play a radio, stereo, musical instrument, or loudspeaker in a manner that disturbs the peace of neighbors. Venues, bars, and outdoor events generally need a permit and must stop amplification by the hours set in their conditional use permit, typically 10 p.m. weekdays.
Bakersfield Amplified Music Rules
Some RestrictionsAircraft Noise
Aircraft noise over Bakersfield, including operations at Meadows Field (BFL) and Bakersfield Municipal Airport (L45), is governed almost entirely by federal law. Under FAA preemption and 49 U.S.C. §40103, cities cannot regulate aircraft in flight, so Bakersfield's noise code expressly does not apply to aircraft operations.
Bakersfield Aircraft Noise Rules
Few RestrictionsIndustrial Noise
Industrial noise in Bakersfield is strictly regulated under BMC Chapter 9.22, which sets zone-based exterior decibel limits and prohibits industrial properties from exceeding 70 dBA at a residential receiver. Oil field operations, rail yards, and warehouses must comply, though oil and gas activity also has separate state CalGEM and CEQA mitigation requirements.
Bakersfield Industrial Noise Rules
Heavy RestrictionsDecibel Limits
Bakersfield Municipal Code Chapter 9.22 sets numeric decibel limits that vary by the zoning of the receiving property and the time of day. Typical limits are 50 dBA daytime and 45 dBA nighttime in residential zones, 60 dBA in commercial zones, and 70 dBA in industrial zones, measured at the property line.
Bakersfield Decibel Limits
Some RestrictionsOutdoor Music
Outdoor music at homes, restaurants, and event venues in Bakersfield must comply with BMC Chapter 9.22 amplification and decibel limits, typically ending by 10 p.m. Sunday-Thursday and 11 p.m. Friday-Saturday. Commercial venues need a Conditional Use Permit with specific noise conditions, and large events require a special event permit from the City Clerk.
Bakersfield Outdoor Music Rules
Some RestrictionsLooking for Kern County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Bakersfield city rules.
Noise Ordinances in Kern County →