Noise from Specific Sources in Sacramento, CA (2026)
3 verified noise from specific sources rules for Sacramento, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
HVAC & Mechanical Noise
Sacramento caps residential air conditioners, fans, pumps and compressors at 60 dBA measured one foot inside a neighbor's property line, dropping to 55 dBA for equipment installed five years after the ordinance and rising to 65 dBA for grandfathered older units.
Sacramento AC and HVAC Equipment Noise Limits
Some RestrictionsSacramento City Code § 8.68.110 (Residential Pumps, Fans and Air Conditioners)
It is unlawful for any person to operate any residential fans, air conditioners, stationary pumps, stationary cooling towers, stationary compressors, similar mechanical device or any combination thereof installed after the effective date of this chapter in any manner so as to create any noise which would cause the maximum noise level to exceed: 1. Sixty (60) dBA at any point at least one foot i...
Bar & Nightclub Noise
Sacramento regulates bar, nightclub, and dance-club noise through its entertainment permit program, not just the general noise chapter. The city council found entertainment establishments present a demonstrated potential for excessive noise, particularly at closing time, and § 5.108.240(A)(3) lets the city manager suspend, modify, or revoke a venue's entertainment permit if it has created sound levels that violate the city code.
Sacramento Bar and Nightclub Noise Permit Rules
Significant RestrictionsSacramento City Code § 5.108.240(A)(3); § 5.108.100
5.108.240 Suspension, modification or revocation of permit. A. After notice and an opportunity for a hearing to the permittee as provided in this section, the city manager may suspend, modify, or revoke any permit issued pursuant to the provisions of this chapter for any of the following reasons: ... 3. The entertainment has created sound levels that violate the city code; ... 5.108.100 Observa...
Delivery Truck Noise
Excessive truck motor noise, including unnecessary backfiring and motor racing, is a specifically banned noise in Sacramento, and so is loud or excessive noise from loading, unloading or breaking down boxes and crates. Both fall under the city's list of noises declared unlawful regardless of decibel measurement.
Sacramento Truck and Loading Noise Rules
Some RestrictionsSacramento City Code § 8.68.200(A), (H)
A. Motor Noises. Any noise made by the motor of any automobile, truck, tractor, motorcycle, not reasonably required in the operation thereof under the circumstances and shall include but not be limited to backfiring and motor racing. ... H. Loading, Unloading-Opening Boxes. The creation of a loud and excessive noise in connection with loading or unloading any vehicle or the opening and destruct...
Looking for Sacramento County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Sacramento city rules.
Noise from Specific Sources in Sacramento County →