Industrial Noise: Chino vs San Bernardino
How do industrial noise rules compare between Chino, CA and San Bernardino, CA?
Chino and San Bernardino have similar restriction levels.
Chino, CA
San Bernardino County
Industrial noise in Chino is governed primarily by Chino Municipal Code Chapter 9.40 (NOISE), §9.40.040 Exterior Noise Standards, with measurement methodology fixed in §9.40.020 (A-weighted, slow response, reference 20 micropascals). Per the city's General Plan Noise Element and CMC, the baseline exterior noise standard applied at the receiving property line is 65 dBA. Industrial sources (M-1 Light Industrial and M-2 General Industrial zones, including The Preserve specific-plan industrial areas, Chino Industrial Park along Edison Ave / Pine Ave, and the Auto Center) must not cause noise at adjoining residential property lines exceeding the residential standard (65 dBA daytime 7 a.m.–10 p.m. / 55 dBA nighttime 10 p.m.–7 a.m.). Mechanical and electrical equipment at industrial sites (cooling towers, compressors, dust collectors) is independently regulated under CMC §§9.40.030–9.40.060. Title 20 Zoning performance standards layer in vibration, glare, and noise limits enforced at the time of site-plan review.
View full Chino rules →San Bernardino, CA
San Bernardino County
Industrial noise limits in San Bernardino follow Development Code 19.20.030 standards, with exterior caps of 70 to 75 dBA depending on zone. SCAQMD Rules 444 and 445 regulate stationary sources.
View full San Bernardino rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Chino | San Bernardino |
|---|---|---|
| Primary code | Chino Municipal Code Chapter 9.40 NOISE — §§9.40.020 (measurement), 9.40.040 (exterior standards) | - |
| Baseline exterior standard | 65 dBA (residential receiving zone) | - |
| Day/night thresholds | Daytime 7 a.m.–10 p.m.; Nighttime 10 p.m.–7 a.m. | - |
| Equipment-specific limits | Mechanical/electrical equipment: CMC §§9.40.030–9.40.060 | - |
| Worker exposure | Cal/OSHA 8 CCR §5095 (separate from CMC) | - |
| Enforcement contact | Code Enforcement Division — (909) 334-3263 | - |
| Code | - | Development Code 19.20.030(15) |
| Industrial Cap | - | 70 to 75 dBA exterior |
| Abutting Residential | - | 55 dBA at shared boundary |
| Regional Rules | - | SCAQMD Rules 444 and 445 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Chino FAQ
My house backs up to an industrial yard with a loud cooling tower running at 2 a.m. — what's the limit?
At a residential property line during nighttime hours (10 p.m.–7 a.m.), the CMC §9.40.040 standard is 55 dBA. File a complaint with Chino Code Enforcement (909-334-3263); they will measure with an ANSI Type 2 sound level meter per CMC §9.40.020 methodology. If exceedance is documented, the industrial operator receives a notice to comply followed by administrative citation.
Does Cal/OSHA take over industrial noise enforcement?
No — Cal/OSHA (8 CCR §5095) regulates worker exposure inside the facility (90 dBA 8-hour TWA action level, hearing-protection program at 85 dBA). External community noise impacts on neighbors remain a local-ordinance matter governed by CMC §9.40.
San Bernardino FAQ
Who regulates train noise?
Rail operations are largely federally preempted under the ICCTA; local limits apply to stationary yard activity but not through-trains.
What limit applies where industry meets homes?
At a shared industrial-to-residential boundary, the lower residential limit of about 55 dBA day applies.
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