Noise from Specific Sources in Pacifica, CA (2026)
3 verified noise from specific sources rules for Pacifica, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Car Alarm Limits
In the City of Pacifica, an audible car alarm is exempt from the City's alarm-permit chapter, but it must still meet two noise rules: it cannot mimic an emergency-vehicle siren, and it must shut itself off within fifteen minutes of triggering. Pacifica Municipal Code Section 5-16.03 sets the permit exemption and Section 5-16.06(b)-(c) carries the actual noise limits.
Pacifica Car Alarm Noise Requirements
Some RestrictionsPacifica Municipal Code §§ 5-16.03, 5-16.06(b)-(c)
EXCEPTION: ... Audible alarms affixed to automobiles. The provisions of this chapter shall not be applicable to audible alarms affixed to automobiles, except for the prohibitions set forth in Section 5-16.06 of this chapter. ... (b)No person shall have installed an audible alarm system which, upon activation, emits a sound similar to sirens in use on emergency vehicles.(c)No person shall instal...
Generator Noise
In the City of Pacifica, running a noise-creating generator, power fan, or internal combustion engine without a muffler violates the City's noise ordinance. Pacifica Municipal Code Section 5-10.03(n) bars any blower, fan, or engine whose operation causes noise from exploding gases or fluids unless it carries a working muffler device. The rule sits inside the City's broader ban on loud or disturbing noise.
Pacifica Generator and Engine Noise Limits
Some RestrictionsPacifica Municipal Code §§ 5-10.02, 5-10.03(n)
It shall be unlawful for any person to make or continue, or cause to be made or continued, any loud, disturbing, unnecessary, or unusual noise or any noise which annoys, disturbs, injures, or endangers the comfort, health, repose, peace, or safety of other persons within the City. ... The following noises, among others, are hereby declared to be loud, disturbing, unnecessary, and unusual noises...
Delivery Truck Noise
In the City of Pacifica, loud noise from loading or unloading a vehicle, or from opening and breaking down boxes and crates, is a disturbing noise violation under Pacifica Municipal Code § 5-10.03(i), and solid waste collection trucks may only run between 5:30 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. under § 5-10.03(p).
Pacifica Loading and Trash Truck Noise Hours
Some RestrictionsPacifica Municipal Code § 5-10.03(i),(p)
(i)Loading and unloading vehicles and opening boxes. The creation of loud and excessive noise in connection with loading or unloading any vehicle or the opening and destruction of bales, boxes, crates, and containers; ... (p)Solid waste collection. The collection of solid waste, including garbage, refuse, rubbish, and recyclable materials, by a duly authorized solid waste franchise operator oth...
Looking for San Mateo County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Pacifica city rules.
Noise from Specific Sources in San Mateo County →