Noise Ordinances in Stockton, CA (2026)
5 verified noise ordinances for Stockton, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Quiet Hours
Stockton curbs loud audio equipment and residential noise at night. Municipal Code § 8.20.030(B)(4) bars operating a radio, TV, musical instrument, or stereo system so as to disturb a neighborhood's peace, and treats equipment clearly audible beyond 25 feet on streets near public parks between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. as automatic proof of a violation.
Stockton Nighttime Noise Curfew Rules
Some RestrictionsStockton Municipal Code § 8.20.030(B)(4)
4. It is unlawful to operate any radio, television set, musical instrument, phonograph, stereo or audio system, whether or not said noise source is inside a building or motor vehicle, so as to cause an unreasonable annoyance to others located or living nearby, or so as to disturb the peace and quiet of any neighborhood, unless an exception is granted by a special event permit. It is hereby foun...
Barking Dogs
Stockton treats a chronically noisy dog as a public nuisance. Municipal Code § 8.20.040 bars keeping any animal whose frequent or prolonged noise disturbs a reasonable neighbor, and makes a misdemeanor case automatic once two residents in separate homes within 300 feet agree on when and how long the barking happens.
Stockton Barking Dog Noise Rules
Some RestrictionsStockton Municipal Code § 8.20.040
A. Notwithstanding any other provision of this code, it is unlawful for any person to keep or maintain, or to permit the keeping or maintenance upon any premises owned, occupied or controlled by him or her, any animal or animals which by any frequent or long continued noise shall disturb or cause discomfort to any reasonable person of normal sensitiveness residing in the vicinity. B. The noise ...
Leaf Blower Rules
Stockton has no dedicated leaf-blower ban, but power gardening equipment is regulated as 'tools and equipment' under SMC 8.20.030: operation that creates a noise disturbance across a residential property line is prohibited between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. Statewide, California AB 1346 phases out the sale of new gas-powered small off-road engines starting in 2024.
Stockton Leaf Blower and Power Equipment Rules
Some RestrictionsCal. AB 1346 (2021-2022); Cal. Health & Safety Code § 43018.11
SEC. 2. Section 43018.11 is added to the Health and Safety Code, to read: 43018.11. (a) (1) By July 1, 2022, the state board shall, consistent with federal law, adopt cost-effective and technologically feasible regulations to prohibit engine exhaust and evaporative emissions from new small off-road engines, as defined by the state board. Those regulations shall apply to engines produced on or a...
Amplified Music & Outdoor Sound
Stockton license-taxes and restricts vehicle- and airplane-mounted advertising loudspeakers under SMC §§5.08.130-5.08.140: sound trucks may broadcast music or speech only between 9 a.m. and sunset while moving at least 10 mph, must stay 100 yards from hospitals, schools, churches and funeral homes, and keep volume inaudible past 100 yards; airborne loudspeakers face a 1,000-foot altitude floor and a 700-yard audibility cap.
Stockton Sound Truck & Airplane Loudspeaker Limits
Some RestrictionsStockton Municipal Code §§ 5.08.130, 5.08.140
§ 5.08.130. Advertising on vehicles. A. Sound. Operating any vehicle equipped with music or musical device, loudspeaker, or other device for attracting attention, $50.00 per annum, $20.00 per month or $5.00 per day for each vehicle used. ... b. Sound advertising is permitted only between 9:00 a.m. and sunset. c. The vehicle with the sound device shall not proceed at a speed of less than 10 mile...
Vehicle Noise
Stockton bans loud car and bicycle audio equipment on public streets. Under Municipal Code § 8.20.030(B)(5), any radio, stereo, or tape player in or on a motor vehicle or bicycle that stays clearly audible at 50 feet is written into the code as endangering public safety, and a violation is charged as an infraction.
Stockton Vehicle Stereo Noise Limits
Some RestrictionsStockton Municipal Code § 8.20.030(B)(5)
5. It is unlawful to operate any radio, stereo, tape player or other audio equipment on public streets and rights-of-way at a volume or sound level which endangers the safety of any person using the public streets and rights-of-way. It is hereby found and declared, as a matter of legislative policy, that any such audio equipment, either in or on a motor vehicle or a bicycle, which is clearly au...
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