Quiet Hours: Petaluma vs Sonoma

What are the official quiet hours in unincorporated Sonoma County?

Quiet hours are 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. under the General Plan Noise Element. During those hours, non-transportation noise at the property line of a residence may not exceed 45 dBA (L50) - roughly the level of a quiet refrigerator. Daytime limit (7 a.m. to 10 p.m.) is 50 dBA. Brief peaks are allowed up to 60 dBA at night and 65 dBA in the day under the L02 standard. These numbers apply only to unincorporated areas; cities like Santa Rosa, Petaluma, Sonoma, and Healdsburg have their own ordinances.

Who do I call about noise in unincorporated Sonoma County?

For active disturbances - loud parties, amplified music, barking dogs at night - call the Sonoma County Sheriff non-emergency line at 707-565-2511. For ongoing land-use noise problems like a winery event center, cannabis facility, or commercial operation exceeding Noise Element standards, file a complaint with Permit Sonoma Code Enforcement at 707-565-1900 or through the Permit Sonoma online complaint portal. The Sheriff dispatches deputies and issues citations under Chapter 3, Article III; Code Enforcement handles permit-condition violations and chronic nuisance cases.

Do these limits apply at wineries and tasting rooms?

Yes. Wineries, tasting rooms, and event centers in unincorporated Sonoma County must comply with the General Plan Noise Element limits as a condition of their use permit under Chapter 26 of the Zoning Code. The December 9, 2025 Winery Events Ordinance (effective June 9, 2026) adds specific setbacks - amplified outdoor music at least 1,600 feet from adjacent property, acoustic music at least 625 feet, parking at least 450 feet - and caps periodic special events at 2,500 attendees. Violations can result in revocation of the use permit, not just monetary fines.

What are the official quiet hours in unincorporated Sonoma County?

Quiet hours are 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. under the General Plan Noise Element. During those hours, non-transportation noise at the property line of a residence may not exceed 45 dBA (L50) - roughly the level of a quiet refrigerator. Daytime limit (7 a.m. to 10 p.m.) is 50 dBA. Brief peaks are allowed up to 60 dBA at night and 65 dBA in the day under the L02 standard. These numbers apply only to unincorporated areas; cities like Santa Rosa, Petaluma, Sonoma, and Healdsburg have their own ordinances.

Who do I call about noise in unincorporated Sonoma County?

For active disturbances - loud parties, amplified music, barking dogs at night - call the Sonoma County Sheriff non-emergency line at 707-565-2511. For ongoing land-use noise problems like a winery event center, cannabis facility, or commercial operation exceeding Noise Element standards, file a complaint with Permit Sonoma Code Enforcement at 707-565-1900 or through the Permit Sonoma online complaint portal. The Sheriff dispatches deputies and issues citations under Chapter 3, Article III; Code Enforcement handles permit-condition violations and chronic nuisance cases.

Do these limits apply at wineries and tasting rooms?

Yes. Wineries, tasting rooms, and event centers in unincorporated Sonoma County must comply with the General Plan Noise Element limits as a condition of their use permit under Chapter 26 of the Zoning Code. The December 9, 2025 Winery Events Ordinance (effective June 9, 2026) adds specific setbacks - amplified outdoor music at least 1,600 feet from adjacent property, acoustic music at least 625 feet, parking at least 450 feet - and caps periodic special events at 2,500 attendees. Violations can result in revocation of the use permit, not just monetary fines.