Decibel Limits: Chino vs Fontana
How do decibel limits rules compare between Chino, CA and Fontana, CA?
Chino and Fontana have similar restriction levels.
Chino, CA
San Bernardino County
Chino Municipal Code §9.40.040 (Exterior Noise Standards) establishes maximum permitted noise levels at the receiving (residential) property line: 65 dBA during daytime hours (7 a.m. to 10 p.m.) and 55 dBA during nighttime hours (10 p.m. to 7 a.m.). Measurement is per §9.40.020: A-weighted scale, slow response, referenced to 20 micropascals, using a sound level meter that meets ANSI specifications. Noise sources in commercial and industrial zones must comply with the residential standard when measured at the nearest residential property line. The standard is exceeded when the level is exceeded for any 30 minutes in an hour; lower thresholds (typically 5 dBA below the base) apply for shorter cumulative durations (15 min, 5 min, 1 min, instantaneous).
View full Chino rules →Fontana, CA
San Bernardino County
Fontana uses the Zoning and Development Code (Table 30-469) to cap exterior sound levels by receiving land use. Typical residential limits are 65 dBA during daytime and 55 dBA at night, with industrial zones allowed higher ceilings during the day.
View full Fontana rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Chino | Fontana |
|---|---|---|
| Daytime exterior limit (residential) | 65 dBA, 7 a.m.–10 p.m. | - |
| Nighttime exterior limit (residential) | 55 dBA, 10 p.m.–7 a.m. | - |
| Measurement standard | CMC §9.40.020 — A-weighted, slow response, 20 µPa reference | - |
| Duration trigger | Standard violated if exceeded any 30 minutes in any hour | - |
| Pure-tone penalty | +5 dBA added to measured level | - |
| Key exemptions | Emergency, schools, permitted events, aircraft, agricultural ops | - |
| Authority | - | Zoning Table 30-469 plus Noise Element |
| Residential Day | - | About 65 dBA typical cap |
| Residential Night | - | About 55 dBA typical cap |
| Interior Target | - | 45 dBA CNEL for new homes |
| Measurement | - | Calibrated SLM by Code Enforcement |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Chino FAQ
How is the 65 dBA limit measured — at my house or at the source?
Per CMC §9.40.020, measurement occurs on the receiving property (the complainant's property line or at a point of human use) using an ANSI Type 2 (or Type 1) sound level meter set to A-weighting, slow response. The reading is taken at least 4 feet above ground and away from reflecting surfaces.
What's a 'pure-tone' penalty?
If the offending noise contains a distinct audible tone (e.g., a whine, hum, or beep) or is cyclically varying or impulsive (banging), CMC §9.40 adds 5 dBA to the measured level before comparing to the limit. So a 60 dBA pure-tone hum is treated as 65 dBA — exactly at the daytime limit and over the nighttime limit.
Fontana FAQ
Do I need a sound meter to file a complaint?
No. Start with a written complaint; Code Enforcement or Police will bring a meter if the issue is ongoing.
Are impulse noises like bangs treated differently?
Yes, the Noise Element treats single-event peak limits separately from average limits, letting enforcement cite short, sharp impacts.
Compare other topics
See how Chino and Fontana compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool