Noise Ordinances in Monterey, CA (2026)
5 verified noise ordinances for Monterey, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Construction Hours
Monterey caps construction noise to set hours under City Code Section 38-112.2: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturdays, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sundays. The limit covers all building-permitted construction, alteration, remodeling, demolition and repair work, plus material deliveries and equipment removal tied to those jobs, anywhere within the city.
Monterey Limits Construction Hours Citywide
Some RestrictionsMonterey City Code § 38-112.2
A. Construction Hours.The hours for all construction, alteration, remodeling, demolition and repair activities which are authorized by a valid City Building Permit, as well as the delivery and removal of materials and equipment associated with these activities, are limited to the hours of 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Saturday and 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. S...
Barking Dogs
Monterey's noise ordinance makes it unlawful to allow the repeated or persistent emission of raucous noise from an animal that habitually disturbs the peace and quiet of any person, and a Pet Permit for four or more dogs or cats can be modified or revoked over a barking complaint.
Monterey Bans Habitual Noise from Barking Dogs
Some RestrictionsMonterey City Code § 22-18(b)
b.No person, unless otherwise stated in this section, shall cause, suffer, permit, or allow the repeated or persistent emission of any noise or sound produced by any such person, by an animal or fowl or through any mechanical means within their ownership, possession, or control, which by reason of its raucous nature habitually disturbs the peace and quiet of any person.
Leaf Blower Rules
Monterey City Code § 22-18.1 has banned fuel-powered leaf blowers on any residential lot since January 1, 2021, and restricts every leaf blower, electric or gas, to the hours between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. citywide, covering homeowners as well as landscaping companies and their crews.
Monterey Bans Gas Leaf Blowers on Residential Lots
Heavy RestrictionsMonterey City Code § 22-18.1
Sec. 22-18.1. Leaf blowers. a. Definitions. 1.“Leaf blower” means any portable power equipment designed or operated to produce a current of air powered by fuel, electricity, or other means to push, propel, or blow dust, dirt, sand, leaves, grass clippings, trimmings, shrubs, or other debris. 2.“Residential lot” means any lot zoned R-1 (single-family), R-2 (residential low-density multifamily dw...
Amplified Music & Outdoor Sound
Monterey City Code § 22-17 requires anyone operating amplified noise or sound equipment within the city, including loudspeakers and amplifiers for music, to first obtain a permit from the City Manager. Permits for hours outside 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. require an added finding that neighbors' privacy will not be unreasonably invaded.
Monterey Permit Required for Amplified Sound
Significant RestrictionsMonterey City Code §§ 22-17, 22-17.3
Sec. 22-17. Noise--permit for use of loudspeakers, amplifiers, etc., -- required. No person, group, organization, corporation, association or partnership shall operate or cause to be operated within the City any amplified noise or sound equipment unless a permit has been obtained from the City Manager or his delegated representative. ... b.The applicant seeks to emit the amplified sound or nois...
Decibel Limits
Monterey's Zoning Ordinance caps ambient noise by district under City Code Section 38-111: 60 decibels in Residential districts, 65 in Commercial, and 70 in Industrial, with a further 5-decibel drop in Residential zones overnight between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. Short, momentary noise spikes get limited extra allowance.
Monterey Zoning Code Sets Decibel Noise Limits
Some RestrictionsMonterey City Code § 38-111(A)
A. Noise.All uses and activities shall comply with the provisions of the Monterey Noise Regulations (Sections 22 17 and 22 18). Decibel levels shall be compatible with neighboring uses, and no use shall create ambient noise levels which exceed the following standards: +----+----------------------------------+-----------------------------+ | | Zone of Property Receiving Noise | Maximum Decibe...
Looking for Monterey County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Monterey city rules.
Noise Ordinances in Monterey County →