Noise Ordinances in Fullerton, CA (2026)
7 verified noise ordinances for Fullerton, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Quiet Hours
Fullerton Municipal Code Chapter 15.90 caps residential exterior noise at 55 dB(A) from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. and 50 dB(A) from 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m., with interior limits of 55/45 dB(A) for the same daytime/nighttime windows.
Nighttime exterior limit 50 dB(A), 10 p.m. to 7 a.m.
Some RestrictionsFullerton Municipal Code § 15.90.030 (Noise standards), Ord. 2982, 2001
A. The following noise standards, unless otherwise specifically indicated, shall apply to all property within the Residential Noise Zone: Allowable Interior Noise Level - Not to exceed 55 dB(A) 7:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.; Not to exceed 45 dB(A) 10:00 p.m. - 7:00 a.m. Allowable Exterior Noise Level - Not to exceed 55 dB(A) 7:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.; Not to exceed 50 dB(A) 10:00 p.m. - 7:00 a.m. B. Nois...
Construction Hours
Per FMC § 15.90.050(A), construction, repair, remodeling, and grading are exempt from decibel limits only between 7:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. on any day except Sunday or a City-recognized holiday. Work outside that window must comply with the standard 55/50 dB(A) residential noise caps.
Construction 7 a.m.-8 p.m. weekdays/Saturday; no Sunday or holidays
Some RestrictionsFullerton Municipal Code § 15.90.050 (Activities with special provisions), Ord. 2982, 2001; Ord. 3026, 2003
A. The following activities shall be exempt from the noise level standards specified by this chapter provided they take place between the hours of 7 a.m. and 8 p.m. on any day except Sunday or a City-recognized holiday. 1. Noise sources associated with construction, repair, remodeling, or grading of any real property; 2. Mobile noise sources associated with agricultural operations; 3. Noise sou...
Barking Dogs
Fullerton contracts with OC Animal Care to enforce Orange County's barking-dog ordinance: a dog barking incessantly for 30 minutes or barking intermittently for a cumulative 60 minutes within any 24-hour period constitutes a public nuisance.
30 min continuous / 60 min intermittent barking is a nuisance
Some RestrictionsOrange County Codified Ordinance § 4-1-3 and § 4-1-59 (Barking Dog)
A 'Barking Dog' is defined as a dog that barks, bays, cries, howls or makes any noise for an extended period of time to the disturbance of any person at any time of day or night, regardless of whether the dog is physically situated in or upon private property. Such extended period of time shall consist of 30 minutes or more of incessant (non-stop) noise, or 60 minutes or more of accumulated, in...
Leaf Blower Rules
Fullerton regulates leaf blower noise through its general noise standards in FMC Chapter 15.90. Leaf blowers must comply with the 55 dB residential property-line limit during daytime hours. California AB 1346 restricts new gas-powered blower sales statewide.
Fullerton Leaf Blower Regulations
Some RestrictionsCal. Health & Safety Code § 41015 (AB 1346, 2021 - Small Off-Road Engines)
small off-road engines, as defined by the state board. The bill would require the state board to identify and, to the extent feasible, make available funding for commercial rebates or similar incentive funding as part of any updates to existing applicable funding program guidelines to local air pollution control districts and air quality management districts to implement to support the transiti...
Amplified Music & Events
Fullerton has no separate amplified-sound ordinance; live or recorded amplified music is held to the same FMC § 15.90.030 decibel limits as any other source. Outdoor gatherings, public dances, and entertainment events 'conducted pursuant to a permit and/or license issued by the city' are fully exempt under § 15.90.040(A)(2).
Amplified sound bound by 55/50 dB(A) cap; permitted events exempt
Some RestrictionsFullerton Municipal Code § 15.90.040(A) (Activities exempt from standards), Ord. 2982, 2001
A. The following activities shall be exempt from the noise level standards specified by this chapter: 1. School bands, school athletic and school entertainment events. 2. Outdoor gatherings, public dances, shows and sporting and entertainment events provided the events are conducted pursuant to a permit and/or license issued by the city. 3. Activities conducted on public parks, public playgroun...
Aircraft Noise
Aircraft noise is federally preempted, but Fullerton Municipal Airport (KFUL) publishes voluntary noise-abatement procedures: Runway 06 is the preferred takeoff runway, no turns below 1000 ft AGL on Rwy 06 departures (follow railroad tracks east), and Rwy 24 departures must climb to 700 ft AGL before turning. The control tower operates 0700-2100 daily.
Fullerton Municipal Airport noise abatement: Rwy 06 preferred
Some RestrictionsFAA Chart Supplement, Fullerton Municipal Airport (KFUL) - Airport Remarks; City of Fullerton Pilot's Guide & Noise Abatement
ARPT HAS NOISE ABATEMENT PROCEDURES CTC AMGR (714) 738-6323. FOR NOISE ABATEMENT RY 06 PREFERRED FOR TKOF; FOLLOW RR TRACKS TO EAST WITH NO TURNS BLO 1000 FT AGL. RY 24 DEP CLIMB TO 700 FT AGL PRIOR TO TURNS. RY 06 CALM WIND RY.
Industrial Noise
Fullerton Municipal Code Chapter 15.90 sets exterior noise standards that vary by zone. Commercial and manufacturing zones have higher allowable limits than residential, but noise crossing into residential zones must meet the residential 55 dB(A) daytime standard.
Fullerton Industrial & Commercial Noise Standards
Some RestrictionsLooking for Orange County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Fullerton city rules.
Noise Ordinances in Orange County →