Decibel Limits: Reedley vs Selma
How do decibel limits rules compare between Reedley, CA and Selma, CA?
Reedley and Selma have similar restriction levels.
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 →Selma, CA
Fresno County
Selma establishes decibel measurement criteria in Section 6-17-3 and monitoring procedures in Section 6-17-4. The prima facie violation threshold is 5 dB over the ambient noise level measured at the property line of the affected person (Section 6-17-6).
View full Selma rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Reedley | Selma |
|---|---|---|
| Threshold | 5 dB over ambient | 5 dB over ambient |
| Measurement Point | Property line | Property line of affected person |
| Apartment Standard | Within adjoining unit | - |
| Hearing Definition | 0-25 dB HL at 500/1k/2k Hz | - |
| Zone-Specific Limits | None | - |
| Apartments | - | Measured within adjoining unit |
| Code Sections | - | SMC 6-17-3, 6-17-4, 6-17-6 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
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.
Selma FAQ
What is the decibel limit in Selma?
Selma uses a relative standard: any noise exceeding the ambient level by more than 5 dB at the property line is a prima facie violation. There is no single fixed decibel cap.
How is noise measured for enforcement?
Sound is measured at the property line of the affected person following the monitoring procedures in SMC 6-17-4. The ambient noise level is used as the baseline.
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