Noise Ordinances in Contra Costa County, CA (2026)

6 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 9 cities in Contra Costa County, California.

Verified from official government sources

Note: These county rules apply to unincorporated areas of Contra Costa County. If you live within an incorporated city, that city's own rules apply — see the city list below.

Quiet Hours

Unincorporated Contra Costa County generally observes quiet hours from 10:00 PM to 7:00 AM, during which loud residential noise (parties, amplified music, power equipment) is prohibited. The county relies on the reasonable-person standard in Title 716 rather than a fixed nighttime decibel cap.

Noise: Quiet Hours

Some Restrictions

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Construction Hours

Construction noise in unincorporated Contra Costa County is typically limited to 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM Monday through Friday and 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM on Saturday, with no construction on Sunday or federal holidays. Building permits may impose tighter limits for sensitive areas.

Noise: Construction Hours

Some Restrictions

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Barking Dogs

Contra Costa County Noisy Animal Ordinance (Code §416-12.202) makes it unlawful to have an animal that creates noise for 30 continuous minutes (incessant) or 60 minutes off and on in 24 hours (intermittent). Responsible persons can be fined.

Contra Costa County Barking Dog Regulations

Some Restrictions

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Leaf Blower Rules

Gas and electric lawn equipment in unincorporated Contra Costa County may generally be operated between 7:00 AM and 7:00 PM on weekdays and 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM on weekends. Outside those hours, operation is a noise-ordinance violation under Title 716.

Noise: Lawn Equipment Hours

Some Restrictions

Cal. Legislature Bill 202120220AB1346

(2) In 2020, California daily NOx and ROG emissions from SORE were higher than emissions from light-duty passenger cars. SORE emitted an average of 16.8 tons per day of NOx and 125 tons per day of ROG. Without further regulatory action, those emission levels are expected to increase with increasing numbers of SORE in California. Regulations of emissions from SORE have not been as stringent as r...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Amplified Music & Events

Amplified music in unincorporated Contra Costa County is regulated under Title 716. Outdoor speakers, live bands, and DJ equipment must not produce sound plainly audible inside a neighboring home and are prohibited during 10 PM–7 AM quiet hours without a special-event permit.

Noise: Amplified Music

Some Restrictions

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Vehicle Noise

Vehicle noise in unincorporated Contra Costa County is governed primarily by California Vehicle Code §§27150–27207 (muffler requirements, modified exhaust, and amplified sound). The Sheriff's Office and CHP enforce; fines for modified exhaust or loud stereos start around $200.