Noise Ordinances in Riverside, CA (2026)
10 verified noise ordinances for Riverside, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Quiet Hours
Riverside Municipal Code Title 7 sets nighttime quiet hours from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m., with a 45 dBA exterior limit at residential property lines at night and 55 dBA during the day.
Riverside Quiet Hours: 10 p.m. to 7 a.m.
Some RestrictionsConstruction Hours
Under RMC § 7.35.010(B)(5), construction, drilling, grading, repair and demolition work is prohibited between 7 p.m. and 7 a.m. on weekdays, between 5 p.m. and 8 a.m. on Saturdays, and at any time on Sundays or federal holidays.
Construction Hours: 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Weekdays, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturdays, No Sundays/Holidays
Some RestrictionsBarking Dogs
RMC § 7.35.010(B)(3) makes it unlawful to harbor any animal or bird that frequently or for a continued duration howls, barks, meows, or squawks so as to create a noise disturbance across a residential or commercial property line.
Barking Dogs Regulated as a Noise Disturbance
Some RestrictionsLeaf Blower Rules
Riverside does not ban gas leaf blowers, but RMC § 7.35.010(B)(6) prohibits operating any lawn or garden tool between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m., and § 7.35.020(D) limits residential property maintenance to 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Leaf Blowers and Lawn Tools: Daytime Use Only
Few RestrictionsCalifornia AB 1346 (2021); Health and Safety Code Section 43018.11
Small off-road engines (SORE), which are used primarily in lawn and garden equipment, emit high levels of air pollutants, including oxides of nitrogen (NOx), reactive organic gases (ROG), and particulate matter (PM). NOx and ROG together contribute to formation of ozone, a criteria pollutant with a national ambient air quality standard set by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (U...
Amplified Music & Events
Under RMC § 7.35.010(D) as amended in 2025, any loud music or noise from sound amplifying equipment or live performance that is plainly audible 25 feet or more from the source property is prohibited at any time.
Amplified Music: 25-Foot Audibility Rule
Heavy RestrictionsAircraft Noise
In-flight aircraft noise is preempted by federal law (FAA). The City regulates only aircraft repair/testing at the ground level under RMC §7.35.010(B)(10), and exempts state/federally regulated activities under §7.35.020(C).
Aircraft Noise — Federal Preemption; Local Rule Limited to Repair/Testing
Few RestrictionsIndustrial Noise
Industrial-zoned property (BMP, I, AIR zones) may not exceed 70 dBA at the property line at any time, per RMC §7.25.010 Table 7.25.010A. Cumulative-period 'plus 5/10/15/20 dB' overage tiers apply.
Industrial Noise — 70 dBA Property-Line Limit (Any Time)
Some RestrictionsDecibel Limits
RMC §7.25.010 sets exterior noise limits by land-use category: Residential 55 dBA day (7 a.m.–10 p.m.) / 45 dBA night (10 p.m.–7 a.m.); Office/Commercial 65 dBA; Industrial 70 dBA; Community Support 60 dBA; Public Recreation 65 dBA; Nonurban 70 dBA — all any time.
Decibel Limits — Residential 55/45 dBA Day/Night, Commercial 65, Industrial 70
Some RestrictionsOutdoor Music
RMC §7.35.010(B)(1)–(2) prohibits amplified music, radios, instruments, and loudspeakers from disturbing neighbors. Between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m., audibility at 50 ft from the source is prima facie evidence of a violation; the night threshold tightens to 25 ft for music/sound under §7.35.010(B)(11).
Outdoor Music & Amplified Sound — 10 p.m.–7 a.m. Restrictions; Variance for Public Events
Some RestrictionsVehicle Noise
RMC §7.35.010(B)(10) bars vehicle/motorcycle/motorboat/aircraft repair, rebuilding, modifying, or testing that disturbs across a residential line. Powered model vehicles are restricted between 7 p.m.–7 a.m. (§7.35.010(B)(7)). Operational on-highway vehicle noise is preempted by California Vehicle Code §27150 et seq.
Vehicle Noise — Repair/Testing & Powered Model Vehicle Limits; State Preempts In-Use
Some RestrictionsLooking for Riverside County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Riverside city rules.
Noise Ordinances in Riverside County →