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πŸ”Š Noise Ordinances/Industrial Noise

Industrial Noise: Berkeley vs San Leandro

How do industrial noise rules compare between Berkeley, CA and San Leandro, CA?

San Leandro has fewer restrictions than Berkeley.

Berkeley, CA

Alameda County

Heavy Restrictions

Industrial and commercial noise in Berkeley is limited to 65 dB daytime and 55 dB nighttime at adjacent residential property lines under BMC 13.40, with BAAQMD Reg 5 supplementing state rules.

View full Berkeley rules β†’

San Leandro, CA

Alameda County

Some Restrictions

Industrial and commercial property noise cannot exceed 65 dBA daytime and 55 dBA nighttime at residential property lines per SLMC 4-28.

View full San Leandro rules β†’

Key Facts Comparison

FactBerkeleySan Leandro
Daytime limit65 dBA at residential line65 dBA residential receiver
Nighttime limit55 dBA at residential line55 dBA
Industrial zoneWest Berkeley-
Supplemental ruleBAAQMD Regulation 5-
RemediesAcoustic studies required-
CUP review-Triggered by repeats
Common sources-HVAC, loading docks
Fine start-250 dollars

Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.

Berkeley FAQ

Can a business run 24-hour HVAC in Berkeley?

Only if rooftop and exterior equipment meets the 55 dBA nighttime limit at the nearest residential property line.

What if I live next to a compliant business that is still loud?

Even compliant businesses may be required to install additional attenuation if a pattern of complaints is documented.

San Leandro FAQ

Who enforces this in San Leandro?

San Leandro code enforcement at (510) 577-3394 handles most complaints. Alameda County agencies handle regional issues.

Who enforces this in San Leandro?

San Leandro code enforcement at (510) 577-3394 handles most complaints. Alameda County agencies handle regional issues.

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