Decibel Limits: Carmichael vs Fair Oaks
How do decibel limits rules compare between Carmichael, CA and Fair Oaks, CA?
Carmichael and Fair Oaks have similar restriction levels.
Carmichael, CA
Sacramento County
Sacramento County Code §6.68.070 sets a cumulative dBA scale that applies in Carmichael. Single-family residential receivers: 55 dBA (7 a.m.-10 p.m.) / 50 dBA (10 p.m.-7 a.m.). Multi-family residential: 60/55. Commercial: 65/60. Industrial: 70/65.
View full Carmichael rules →Fair Oaks, CA
Sacramento County
County Code Section 6.68.070 sets exterior noise standards for unincorporated Sacramento County: 55 dBA during the day (7 a.m. to 10 p.m.) and 50 dBA at night (10 p.m. to 7 a.m.) in residential zones, measured at the affected property, with a 5 dBA reduction for music, speech or tonal noise.
View full Fair Oaks rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Carmichael | Fair Oaks |
|---|---|---|
| Code Section | SCC §6.68.070 | - |
| SFR Day/Night | 55 / 50 dBA | - |
| MFR Day/Night | 60 / 55 dBA | - |
| Commercial Day/Night | 65 / 60 dBA | - |
| Industrial Day/Night | 70 / 65 dBA | - |
| Lmax Spike Allowance | +5 dB for 30 min/hr, up to +20 dB for 1 min/hr | - |
| Code section | - | County Code 6.68.070 (Exterior Noise Standards) |
| Residential day limit | - | 55 dBA (7 a.m.-10 p.m.) |
| Residential night limit | - | 50 dBA (10 p.m.-7 a.m.) |
| Tonal/music penalty | - | Minus 5 dBA |
| Ambient adjustment | - | Limit raised in 5 dBA steps to meet ambient |
| Measurement point | - | >=1 ft inside affected property line, mic 3-5 ft up |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Carmichael FAQ
How loud is 55 dBA?
55 dBA is roughly the sound level of a normal conversation at 3 feet, or a quiet suburban street. It's the §6.68.070 daytime cap at the neighbor's residential property line.
Does Sacramento County use dBC like Sarasota or San Diego?
No, SCC §6.68.070 uses dBA only - it doesn't add a low-frequency dBC supplement, so subwoofer bass that doesn't trip the A-weighted meter may not be a citable violation absent neighbor-disturbance evidence.
Fair Oaks FAQ
What is the decibel limit in unincorporated Sacramento County?
Section 6.68.070 sets residential exterior limits of 55 dBA from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. and 50 dBA from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. The limit drops 5 dBA for music, speech or tonal/impulsive noise, and rises in 5 dBA steps if background noise is already louder.
Where is the noise measured?
EMD measures at a point at least one foot inside the property line of the affected residential property. Where feasible, the microphone is placed three to five feet above ground and at least four feet away from walls or other reflecting surfaces.
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