10 rules for unincorporated Merced County, California.
Verified from official government sources
Unincorporated Merced County regulates nighttime noise through Chapter 10.60 of the County Code. The nighttime period runs from 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m., when sound that exceeds the background level by more than 5 dBA across a residential property line is prohibited and several activities, including loud devices and construction, are restricted.
In unincorporated Merced County, Section 10.60.040 of the County Code bars operating construction, drilling, earthmoving, excavating, or demolition equipment between 6:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. on weekdays, and at any time on weekends and legal holidays, when the noise crosses a residential property line.
Merced County Code Section 10.60.040 makes it unlawful to own, possess, or harbor any animal or bird that, frequently or for a continued duration, generates sounds that create a noise disturbance across a residential property line in unincorporated areas. There is no fixed time limit, but persistent barking can be cited.
Unincorporated Merced County does not ban leaf blowers, but Section 10.60.030 of the County Code limits domestic power tools, lawn mowers, and similar equipment to 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on weekdays and 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on weekends and holidays, provided they stay under 85 dBA at the residential property line.
Merced County Code Section 10.60.040 prohibits operating any stereo, radio, television, phonograph, or similar device that amplifies sound so as to create a noise disturbance for anyone other than the operator. Loudspeakers and PA systems are separately barred from disturbing residences between 10:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m.
Aircraft noise in unincorporated Merced County comes mainly from five public airports, including Castle Airport (the former Castle Air Force Base) near Atwater. Flight-noise itself is regulated by the FAA, while the County manages compatibility through Airport Land Use planning rather than the general noise ordinance.
Industrial and commercial noise in unincorporated Merced County is limited by Section 10.60.030 to 70 dBA Ldn and 80 dBA Lmax at nonresidential property lines, and 65 dBA Ldn / 75 dBA Lmax where adjacent to residential uses. New projects must meet these performance standards under the County's land use review.
Merced County Code Section 10.60.030 sets exterior noise standards measured at the receiving property line: residential properties are limited to 65 dBA Ldn and 75 dBA Lmax, and nonresidential properties to 70 dBA Ldn and 80 dBA Lmax. Sound exceeding the background level by 10 dBA (day) or 5 dBA (night) is also a violation.
Outdoor music in unincorporated Merced County is limited by Section 10.60.040, which bars loudspeakers and PA systems from disturbing residences between 10:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. and prohibits amplified devices from disturbing others at any hour. School, park, and county-approved events are exempt under Section 10.60.050.
Merced County Code Section 10.60.040 prohibits operating off-highway vehicles on private property when the sound creates a noise disturbance across a residential property line. On public roads, vehicle muffler and exhaust noise is controlled by the California Vehicle Code, which the County Sheriff and CHP enforce.
See every category we cover for Merced County — parking, noise, fences, fires, animals, pools, and more.
Merced County Ordinance Hub →