Decibel Limits: Fresno vs Reedley
How do decibel limits rules compare between Fresno, CA and Reedley, CA?
Fresno and Reedley have similar restriction levels.
Fresno, CA
Fresno County
Fresno uses a receiving-zone dBA schedule in FMC §10-105. Residential properties are capped at 60 dBA from 7 AM to 10 PM and 50 dBA from 10 PM to 7 AM. Commercial zones are capped at 65 dBA / 60 dBA, and industrial at 75 dBA around the clock. Exceedance for more than 30 minutes in any hour is a violation.
View full Fresno rules →Reedley, CA
Fresno County
RMC 5-1-18(E) sets a 5-dB-over-ambient threshold at the property line. For apartments and condos, measurement is taken within the adjoining unit. No zone-specific fixed decibel limits exist.
View full Reedley rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Fresno | Reedley |
|---|---|---|
| - | - | |
| Threshold | - | 5 dB over ambient |
| Measurement Point | - | Property line |
| Apartment Standard | - | Within adjoining unit |
| Hearing Definition | - | 0-25 dB HL at 500/1k/2k Hz |
| Zone-Specific Limits | - | None |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Fresno FAQ
How loud can my backyard A/C unit be in Fresno?
Sound at your neighbor's property line cannot exceed 60 dBA during the day or 50 dBA at night. Most modern condensers run 55-70 dBA at 3 feet, so placement and screening matter.
Does Fresno PD use a decibel meter?
Officers and code enforcement carry calibrated sound level meters and can cite by meter reading or by the plainly-audible standard in FMC §10-105.
Reedley FAQ
What is the decibel limit in Reedley?
Reedley uses a relative standard: noise exceeding the ambient sound level by more than 5 decibels at the property line is prima facie evidence of a violation under RMC 5-1-18(E). There are no fixed decibel limits by zone.
How is noise measured in Reedley apartments?
For apartments and condominiums with shared walls, noise exceeding the ambient level by more than 5 dB is measured within the adjoining occupied unit, not at the property line.
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