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Noise Ordinances in Sunnyvale, CA (2026)

9 verified noise ordinances for Sunnyvale, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.

Verified from official government sources

Quiet Hours

Sunnyvale enforces nighttime quiet hours from 10 PM to 7 AM (8 AM on weekends and holidays) under Municipal Code Chapter 19.48, with stricter decibel limits for residential zones during these times.

Sunnyvale Quiet Hours and Nighttime Noise Limits

Some Restrictions

Construction Hours

Sunnyvale permits construction noise Monday through Friday from 7 AM to 6 PM and Saturday 8 AM to 5 PM. No construction on Sundays or major holidays without a special permit from the Building Division.

Sunnyvale Construction Hours and Weekend Rules

Some Restrictions

Barking Dogs

Sunnyvale classifies a dog that barks continuously for more than 20 minutes, or intermittently for over 40 minutes within a 4-hour span, as a public nuisance under the Municipal Code animal control provisions.

Sunnyvale Barking Dog and Habitual Animal Noise Rules

Some Restrictions

Leaf Blower Rules

Sunnyvale was one of the earliest California cities to ban gas-powered leaf blowers, ahead of statewide AB 1346. Only electric or battery blowers are allowed and must comply with 65 dBA residential noise limits.

Sunnyvale Gas Leaf Blower Ban and Electric Rules

Heavy Restrictions

Amplified Music & Events

Amplified music audible beyond a property line after 10 PM violates Sunnyvale Municipal Code Chapter 19.48. Outdoor entertainment at commercial venues requires a special event permit from the city.

Sunnyvale Amplified Music and Party Noise Rules

Some Restrictions

Aircraft Noise

Aircraft noise from Moffett Federal Airfield, NASA Ames, and San Jose International is preempted by federal FAA rules. Sunnyvale cannot regulate overflight noise but offers a local complaint reporting channel.

Sunnyvale Aircraft Noise and Moffett Field Operations

Few Restrictions

Industrial Noise

Industrial facilities in Sunnyvale must not exceed 70 dBA at the property line during the day or 65 dBA at night under Chapter 19.48, with stricter limits when adjacent to residential zones.

Sunnyvale Industrial and Commercial Noise Limits

Some Restrictions

Decibel Limits

Sunnyvale Chapter 19.48 sets exterior noise limits of 60 dBA day and 50 dBA night for residential, 65 dBA for commercial, and 70 dBA for industrial, measured at the receiving property line.

Sunnyvale Decibel Limits by Zoning District

Some Restrictions

Outdoor Music

Outdoor live or amplified music at Sunnyvale restaurants, bars, and event spaces requires a conditional use permit or special event permit, with cutoffs typically at 10 PM weeknights and 11 PM weekends.

Sunnyvale Outdoor Music and Event Restrictions

Some Restrictions

Looking for Santa Clara County county-wide rules?

County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Sunnyvale city rules.

Noise Ordinances in Santa Clara County