Decibel Limits: Chino vs Rialto
How do decibel limits rules compare between Chino, CA and Rialto, CA?
Chino and Rialto 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 →Rialto, CA
San Bernardino County
Rialto Municipal Code Title 9, Chapter 9.50 (Noise Control) establishes exterior noise limits measured at the property line of the impacted receiving land use. Limits vary by zoning of the receptor (residential strictest) and time of day (7am-10pm daytime vs 10pm-7am nighttime). Construction activity is separately regulated under the same chapter.
View full Rialto rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Chino | Rialto |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | - |
| Code section | - | Rialto MC Ch. 9.50 |
| Measurement | - | Receiving property line (not source) |
| Day vs night | - | 7:00 am-10:00 pm daytime; 10:00 pm-7:00 am nighttime |
| State interior standard | - | 45 dB CNEL (CCR Title 24 Pt 2 §1207) |
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.
Rialto FAQ
Do I need a decibel meter to file a complaint?
No. Report to Community Compliance; code officers use calibrated Type 2 sound level meters.
Are these limits the same in every zone?
No. The limit depends on the zoning of the property hearing the noise, not the noise source's zoning.
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