Noise Ordinances in Berkeley, CA (2026)
9 verified noise ordinances for Berkeley, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Quiet Hours
Berkeley enforces nighttime quiet hours from 10pm to 7am on weekdays and 10pm to 9am on weekends under BMC Chapter 13.40, with strict enforcement typical of this progressive city.
Berkeley Quiet Hours
Heavy RestrictionsConstruction Hours
Berkeley allows construction 8am to 7pm weekdays, 9am to 8pm Saturdays, with no work Sundays or holidays under BMC 13.40.070, enforced strictly citywide.
Berkeley Construction Hours
Heavy RestrictionsBarking Dogs
Berkeley treats persistent barking as a public nuisance under BMC 10.04 and 13.40, with Animal Care Services investigating complaints and issuing warnings escalating to citations.
Berkeley Barking Dog Rules
Heavy RestrictionsLeaf Blower Rules
Berkeley banned gas-powered leaf blowers in 1991, making it one of the first US cities to do so, well ahead of California statewide AB 1346 small-engine phaseout.
Berkeley Leaf Blower Ban
Heavy RestrictionsAmplified Music & Events
Berkeley strictly limits amplified music under BMC 13.40, with low decibel thresholds and aggressive enforcement in residential zones including Southside near UC Berkeley.
Berkeley Amplified Music Rules
Heavy RestrictionsAircraft Noise
Aircraft noise in Berkeley falls under FAA jurisdiction, but the city participates in Oakland Airport community roundtable and monitors overflight complaints at (510) 563-3364.
Berkeley Aircraft Noise
Few RestrictionsIndustrial Noise
Industrial and commercial noise in Berkeley is limited to 65 dB daytime and 55 dB nighttime at adjacent residential property lines under BMC 13.40, with BAAQMD Reg 5 supplementing state rules.
Berkeley Industrial Noise
Heavy RestrictionsDecibel Limits
Berkeley enforces specific decibel caps in BMC 13.40: 60 dB daytime and 50 dB nighttime in residential zones, measured at the property line, among the strictest in the Bay Area.
Berkeley Decibel Limits
Heavy RestrictionsOutdoor Music
Outdoor live and amplified music in Berkeley requires a permit when exceeding standard decibel limits, with Civic Center and public parks subject to special use rules under BMC 13.40.
Berkeley Outdoor Music
Some RestrictionsLooking for Alameda County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Berkeley city rules.
Noise Ordinances in Alameda County →