Noise Ordinances in Novato, CA (2026)
5 verified noise ordinances for Novato, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Construction Hours
In the City of Novato, California, authorized construction is exempt from the Table 3-5 noise limits between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. on weekdays and between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. on Saturdays. Section 19.22.070 allows no construction on Sundays or official federal national holidays unless the Community Development Director authorizes it.
Novato Construction Hours and Noise Exemption
Some RestrictionsNovato Municipal Code § 19.22.070
B.Exceptions. The following are exempt from the allowable noise level requirements of Table 3-5 as noted: ... 4.Authorized construction activities, including warming-up or servicing of equipment, and any preparation for construction between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. on weekdays, and between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. on Saturdays. No construction is allowed on Sundays or official federal national holidays, exc...
Barking Dogs
In the City of Novato, Novato Municipal Code § 3-1.20 makes it unlawful to let a dog, cat, fowl or other animal habitually bark, yelp, howl or make noise that unreasonably disturbs anyone's peace. Repeating after a request to fix it is a public nuisance. Offenses are infractions for the first two and a misdemeanor from the third.
Novato Barking Dog and Animal Noise Ordinance
Some RestrictionsNovato Municipal Code § 3-1.20
3-1.20 Prohibition of Habitual Animal Noise Which Unreasonably Disturbs the Peace. a.Subject to the provisions of subsections b., c., and d. of this section, it is unlawful for any person to suffer or permit any dog, cat, fowl, or other animal to habitually bark, yelp, howl or create noise in such a manner which unreasonably disturbs the peace of any person(s). Such repeated acts after the rece...
Leaf Blower Rules
In the City of Novato, California, section 7-13.3 makes it unlawful to operate a gas-powered leaf blower at any time. Every other leaf blower, electric ones included, is limited by section 7-13.4 to 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sundays and official federal holidays.
Novato Leaf Blower Ban and Operating Hours
Heavy RestrictionsNovato Municipal Code §§ 7-13.3, 7-13.4
7-13.3 Prohibition on the Use of Gas-Powered Leaf Blowers. It shall be unlawful for any person to operate or authorize the operation of a gas-powered leaf blower to blow leaves, dirt, and other debris off any surface at any time. ... 7-13.4 Restricted Hours for Leaf Blowers. It shall be unlawful for any person to operate a leaf blower except between the hours of 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. Mondays throug...
Amplified Music & Outdoor Sound
In the City of Novato, California, using any system that amplifies sound in a city park, whether for speech, music or anything else, is prohibited unless an exclusive use permit is first obtained under Municipal Code § 10-16. The director of parks and recreation can cap the maximum decibel level in the permit.
Novato Amplified Sound Rules in Parks
Significant RestrictionsNovato Municipal Code § 10-16
The use of any system for amplifying sounds, as defined in section 10-2c and d, whether for speech or music or otherwise, is prohibited in any park unless an exclusive use permit is first obtained. The director, upon granting a permit for use of any amplified sound system, may impose reasonable conditions concerning the location and position of the sound system, and the maximum decibel level to...
Decibel Limits
In the City of Novato, California, Table 3-5 of section 19.22.070 caps exterior noise at the property line: residential 45 dBA from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. and 60 dBA from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., commercial 60 and 70 dBA in the same periods, and industrial or manufacturing 70 dBA at any time.
Novato Noise Limits in Decibels by Land Use
Some RestrictionsNovato Municipal Code § 19.22.070
A.Applicability. ... Uses, activities, and processes shall not generate or emit any noise or sound in excess of the levels provided in Table 3-5 beyond the property line of the parcel on which they are located, except as provided in Subsection B. ... Table 3-5 Allowable Exterior Noise Levels Type of Land Use Allowable Exterior Levels (1) Time Interval Maximum Noise Level (2) Residential (3) 10...
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