Noise Ordinances in Modesto, CA (2026)
7 verified noise ordinances for Modesto, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Quiet Hours
Modesto prohibits loud and raucous yelling, shouting, talking, whistling or singing between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. on any day, and bans any sound that disturbs a reasonable person.
Quiet Hours: 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. Nightly
Some RestrictionsModesto Municipal Code § 4-9.103(d)
Loud and raucous yelling, shouting, talking, whistling, or singing between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. on any day.
Construction Hours
Modesto bans loud construction tools and equipment before 7 a.m. or after 9 p.m. on weekdays, and before 9 a.m. or after 9 p.m. on Saturdays, Sundays, and state/federal holidays.
Construction: 7 a.m.–9 p.m. Weekdays, 9 a.m.–9 p.m. Weekends/Holidays
Significant RestrictionsModesto Municipal Code § 4-9.103(b)
The loud and raucous operation or use of any of the following before 7:00 a.m. or after 9:00 p.m. daily (except Saturday and Sunday and State or federal holidays, when the prohibited time shall be before 9:00 a.m. and after 9:00 p.m.): … (7) Any construction, demolition, excavation, erection, alteration, or repair activity.
Barking Dogs
Owning, keeping, or harboring any dog, cat, or other animal or fowl that howls, yelps, whines, or barks in a loud and raucous manner is a public nuisance in Modesto.
Barking Dogs Are a Public Nuisance
Some RestrictionsModesto Municipal Code § 4-9.103(e)
The owning, possessing, controlling, harboring, or keeping of any dog, cat, or other animal or fowl which by howling, yelping, whining, barking, or otherwise causes a loud and raucous noise.
Leaf Blower Rules
Modesto bans operation of gas-powered or engine-driven equipment, including backpack leaf blowers, chain saws, and lawn mowers, before 7 AM or after 9 PM on weekdays, and before 9 AM on weekends and state/federal holidays.
Modesto Noise Ordinance: Powered Equipment Hours
Significant RestrictionsCal. AB 1346 (2021) — Health & Safety Code Sec. 43018.11 (Zero-Emission Small Off-Road Engines, 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 & Outdoor Sound
Modesto bans loud and raucous use of any radio, amplifier, phonograph, stereo, loudspeaker, bullhorn, megaphone, or other sound-producing device at any time of day or night.
Amplified Sound Prohibited When Loud and Raucous
Some RestrictionsModesto Municipal Code § 4-9.103(c)
The loud and raucous use or operation of any radio, amplifier, phonograph, stereo, compact disc or tape player, loudspeaker, bullhorn, megaphone, or other device for the producing or reproducing of sound.
Aircraft Noise
Modesto's noise ordinance expressly exempts aircraft and railroad operations; aircraft noise around Modesto City-County Airport is governed by federal FAA rules and the Stanislaus County Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan.
Aircraft Noise Preempted by Federal Law
Some RestrictionsModesto Municipal Code § 4-9.104(f)
The term 'loud and raucous noise' as used in this chapter does not include noise or sound generated by the following: … (f) Locomotives and other railroad equipment, and aircraft.
Vehicle Noise
Modesto Code § 4-2.17(c) requires every motorcycle, motor-driven cycle, or off-highway vehicle, including scooters, motorbikes, and mini-bikes, ridden off a public street or highway to carry a properly maintained muffler meeting state Vehicle Code § 38280 standards. Cutouts, bypasses, and similar devices that let exhaust skip the muffler are banned outright.
Modesto Requires Mufflers on Off-Road Motorcycles
Some RestrictionsModesto Code of Ordinances § 4-2.17(c)
Mufflers. It shall be unlawful for any person to drive, ride or use a motorcycle, motor-driven cycle, or off-highway motor vehicle, as such vehicles are defined in Section 400, 405, and 38012 respectively of the Vehicle Code of the State of California, including but not limited to motor scooters, motor bikes and mini-bikes, upon any public or private property which is not a public street or hig...
Looking for Stanislaus County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Modesto city rules.
Noise Ordinances in Stanislaus County →