Decibel Limits: Rialto vs San Bernardino
How do decibel limits rules compare between Rialto, CA and San Bernardino, CA?
Rialto and San Bernardino have similar restriction levels.
Rialto, CA
San Bernardino County
Rialto Municipal Code Title 9, Chapter 9.50 (Noise Control) establishes exterior noise limits measured at the property line of the impacted receiving land use. Limits vary by zoning of the receptor (residential strictest) and time of day (7am-10pm daytime vs 10pm-7am nighttime). Construction activity is separately regulated under the same chapter.
View full Rialto rules →San Bernardino, CA
San Bernardino County
San Bernardino sets exterior limits of about 55 dBA day and 50 dBA night in residential zones, 65 dBA in commercial, and 70 to 75 dBA in industrial zones under Development Code 19.20.030(15).
View full San Bernardino rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Rialto | San Bernardino |
|---|---|---|
| Code section | Rialto MC Ch. 9.50 | - |
| Measurement | Receiving property line (not source) | - |
| Day vs night | 7:00 am-10:00 pm daytime; 10:00 pm-7:00 am nighttime | - |
| State interior standard | 45 dB CNEL (CCR Title 24 Pt 2 §1207) | - |
| Residential Day | - | 55 dBA |
| Residential Night | - | 50 dBA |
| Commercial | - | About 65 dBA |
| Industrial | - | 70 to 75 dBA |
| Method | - | Type 2 meter at property line |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Rialto FAQ
Do I need a decibel meter to file a complaint?
No. Report to Community Compliance; code officers use calibrated Type 2 sound level meters.
Are these limits the same in every zone?
No. The limit depends on the zoning of the property hearing the noise, not the noise source's zoning.
San Bernardino FAQ
How is the limit measured?
Code Enforcement uses a calibrated Type 2 sound-level meter at the property line, following CEQA noise protocols.
What if background noise already exceeds the limit?
An ambient-adjusted baseline may apply so enforcement focuses on the added noise from the specific source.
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