Decibel Limits: Chino vs San Bernardino
How do decibel limits rules compare between Chino, CA and San Bernardino, CA?
Chino and San Bernardino 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 →San Bernardino, CA
San Bernardino County
San Bernardino sets exterior limits of about 55 dBA day and 50 dBA night in residential zones, 65 dBA in commercial, and 70 to 75 dBA in industrial zones under Development Code 19.20.030(15).
View full San Bernardino rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Chino | San Bernardino |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | - |
| Residential Day | - | 55 dBA |
| Residential Night | - | 50 dBA |
| Commercial | - | About 65 dBA |
| Industrial | - | 70 to 75 dBA |
| Method | - | Type 2 meter at property line |
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.
San Bernardino FAQ
How is the limit measured?
Code Enforcement uses a calibrated Type 2 sound-level meter at the property line, following CEQA noise protocols.
What if background noise already exceeds the limit?
An ambient-adjusted baseline may apply so enforcement focuses on the added noise from the specific source.
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