Noise from Specific Sources in Sonoma, CA (2026)
3 verified noise from specific sources rules for Sonoma, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
HVAC & Mechanical Noise
Sonoma Municipal Code Section 9.56.020(D) singles out air conditioners as an example of 'constant noise,' the category subject to the strictest limits in the city's noise chapter. On residential property, an air conditioner or other HVAC unit may not exceed 50 dBA in the daytime or 40 dBA at night.
City of Sonoma HVAC and Air Conditioner Noise Limit
Some RestrictionsSonoma Municipal Code §§ 9.56.020, 9.56.040
D. “Constant” noise means a continuous noise produced where there is no noticeable change in the level of the noise source. Examples would include such noises as those associated with air conditioners and pool equipment. ... 9.56.040 General noise limits. ... ... A. Residential Property Noise Limits. 1. No person shall produce, suffer or allow to be produced by any machine, animal or device, or...
Generator Noise
The City of Sonoma lets backup emergency generators run louder than the general noise limits during an outage or scheduled test, up to five decibels over, under Sonoma Municipal Code Section 9.56.050(H), while generators needed for an essential emergency service are exempt from the noise chapter entirely under Section 9.56.070(L).
City of Sonoma Backup Generator Noise Rules
Light RestrictionsSonoma Municipal Code §§ 9.56.050, 9.56.070
H. During an electrical power outage or during testing of backup emergency generators, backup emergency generators may exceed the general noise limits prescribed in SMC 9.56.040 by not more than five dBA. Backup emergency generators permanently or temporarily connected to an electrical panel, electrical switchgear or building wiring by other than a plug and cord connection shall not be operated...
Delivery Truck Noise
The City of Sonoma limits commercial-vehicle idling near homes under Sonoma Municipal Code Section 9.56.080(A): a driver parked within 100 feet of a residential zone cannot idle the engine more than five consecutive minutes, except while actively loading or unloading cargo, which is allowed for up to 30 minutes.
City of Sonoma Commercial Vehicle Idling Limit
Some RestrictionsSonoma Municipal Code § 9.56.080
9.56.080 Other limitations. A. Limitations on the Idling of Commercial Vehicles. When parked within 100 feet of a residential zoning district, a driver of a commercial vehicle shall not cause or allow an engine to idle for more than five consecutive minutes, except as necessary for the loading or unloading of cargo within a period not to exceed 30 minutes.
Looking for Sonoma County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Sonoma city rules.
Noise from Specific Sources in Sonoma County →