Noise from Specific Sources in Berkeley, CA (2026)
4 verified noise from specific sources rules for Berkeley, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
HVAC & Mechanical Noise
Air conditioners, compressors, and pumps in Berkeley must be enclosed or muffled enough to avoid a noise disturbance under the code's exterior and interior sound limits. The Environmental Health Division treats these units as 'fixed noise sources' subject to the same zone-based dBA tables as any other stationary equipment.
Berkeley HVAC Equipment Noise Rules
Some RestrictionsBerkeley Municipal Code §§ 13.40.020(M), 13.40.070(B)(11)(b)
13.40.020.M. "Fixed noise source" means a stationary device which creates sounds while fixed or motionless, including but not limited to residential, agricultural, industrial and commercial machinery and equipment, pumps, fans, compressors, air conditioners, and refrigeration equipment. ... 13.40.070.B.11(b) Any motor, machinery, pump, such as swimming pool equipment, etc., shall be sufficientl...
Bar & Nightclub Noise
BMC 13.40.115 lets a bar, club, or other entertainment establishment run up to 5 decibels louder than the zone's standard or the ambient level, whichever is higher, plus later hours, but only if its own use permit spells that allowance out.
Berkeley Bar and Nightclub Noise Allowance
Some RestrictionsBerkeley Municipal Code § 13.40.115
An entertainment establishment may exceed the sound level limits in this chapter by no more than five decibels higher than either the applicable standard or the ambient noise level, whichever is higher, and may deviate from the time restrictions set forth in this chapter, if the applicable use permit so provides.
Car Alarm Limits
A motor vehicle burglar alarm sounding in Berkeley must shut off within 15 minutes of any single security violation or false alarm. There is no warning step for this one: measurement alone is enough to cite a violation.
Berkeley Car Alarm Noise Limit
Some RestrictionsBerkeley Municipal Code § 13.40.070(B)(10)(c)
(c) Sounding or permitting the sounding of any exterior burglar or fire alarm or any motor vehicle burglar alarm, unless such alarm is terminated within 15 minutes of any single security violation or false alarm.
Delivery Truck Noise
Berkeley bars loud loading and unloading between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. if the racket crosses a residential property line above code limits. The Environmental Health Division enforces it on a two-complaint trigger, with a warning issued before any citation.
Berkeley Delivery Truck Noise Hours
Some RestrictionsBerkeley Municipal Code § 13.40.070(B)(6)
6. Loading and Unloading. Loading, unloading, opening, closing or other handling of boxes, crates, containers, building materials, or similar objects between the hours of ten p.m. and seven a.m. such that the sound therefrom across a residential real property line violates the provisions of Section 13.40.050 or 13.40.060.
Looking for Alameda County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Berkeley city rules.
Noise from Specific Sources in Alameda County →