Quiet Hours: Monterey vs Salinas
How do quiet hours rules compare between Monterey, CA and Salinas, CA?
Monterey and Salinas have similar restriction levels.
Monterey, CA
Monterey County
Monterey County prohibits loud and unreasonable sound in unincorporated areas every night from 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m., with measured limits of 45 Leq dBA and 65 dBA maximum at the property line.
View full Monterey rules →Salinas, CA
Monterey County
Salinas enforces quiet hours 10 PM-7 AM. As the agricultural capital of the Salinas Valley, farm equipment and agricultural operations may be exempt under the Right to Farm Act. Salinas PD handles complaints.
View full Salinas rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Monterey | Salinas |
|---|---|---|
| Code Section | Monterey County Code § 10.60.040 | - |
| Quiet Hours | 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. daily | 10 PM - 7 AM |
| Nighttime Leq Limit | 45 dBA (hourly equivalent) | - |
| Nighttime Maximum | 65 dBA | - |
| Measurement Point | At or outside property line, 5 ft above ground | - |
| Population | - | 163,542 |
| Agriculture | - | Right to Farm exemption |
| Enforcement | - | Salinas PD |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Monterey FAQ
What are the official quiet hours in unincorporated Monterey County?
Loud and unreasonable sound is prohibited every day from 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. under Monterey County Code Section 10.60.040(A).
How loud can my yard be at night before it violates the rule?
Between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m., sound measured at the property line cannot exceed an hourly average of 45 dBA or a maximum of 65 dBA (Section 10.60.040(B), Table 1).
Are there any nighttime exemptions?
Yes. Section 10.60.040(C) exempts religious bells and chimes, permitted outdoor events on commercial or institutional premises, emergency vehicles and emergency equipment (such as chain saws), and commercial agricultural operations (excluding farm-related housing).
Salinas FAQ
When are quiet hours?
Typically 10 PM to 7 AM. Check your city’s municipal code for exact times.
Who do I call for a noise complaint?
Contact Salinas code compliance during business hours or the police non-emergency line after hours.
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