10 rules for unincorporated San Benito County, California.
Verified from official government sources
Unincorporated San Benito County regulates noise through Chapter 19.39 (Noise Control Regulations). Section 19.39.020 bars unreasonable 'noise disturbances,' and Section 19.39.030 sets maximum permissible sound pressure levels at the property line. These rules cover rural communities outside Hollister and San Juan Bautista, which run their own city noise codes. Enforcement is complaint-driven through the Sheriff and County code enforcement.
San Benito County's Building Inspection Services states that hours of construction are 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday, with no work on Sundays or National Holidays, and cites San Benito County Code Section 19.39.010 for the times. The rule is part of Chapter 19.39 and applies outside Hollister and San Juan Bautista, which set their own construction hours.
In unincorporated San Benito County, animals are regulated under Chapter 13.01 (Animals and Fowl), and persistent barking can also be addressed as a 'noise disturbance' under Section 19.39.020. Barking-dog complaints are typically handled by County Animal Control with the Sheriff. Confirm the exact section and fine schedule with the County, as verbatim text was not published in the sources reviewed.
Unincorporated San Benito County has no stand-alone leaf-blower ordinance. Leaf-blower use falls under the general noise framework in Chapter 19.39 - the disturbance rule (Sec. 19.39.020), sound limits (Sec. 19.39.030), and equipment hours (Sec. 19.39.010). California's CARB rule under AB 1346 has banned sale of new gas leaf blowers since January 1, 2024; existing equipment stays legal.
Amplified music in unincorporated San Benito County is regulated under Chapter 19.39: Section 19.39.020 bars unreasonable noise disturbances and Section 19.39.030 sets maximum permissible sound levels at the property line. The chapter's exemption for unamplified public speech (not plainly audible beyond 100 feet) does not cover amplified music. Winery and venue events are also conditioned through County land-use permits.
Aircraft noise is largely outside San Benito County's control. Federal law (the FAA and Noise Control Act) preempts local regulation of aircraft operations and airspace, as confirmed in City of Burbank v. Lockheed Air Terminal. California regulates airport noise through Caltrans Aeronautics under the Airport Noise Standards (Title 21 CCR). The County's Chapter 19.39 ordinance does not set aircraft-noise limits.
Industrial and commercial noise in unincorporated San Benito County is controlled by the maximum permissible sound levels in Section 19.39.030 (measured at the property line) and the disturbance rule in Section 19.39.020 of Chapter 19.39. New or expanded industrial uses also receive project-specific noise conditions through County land-use and CEQA review by the Resource Management Agency.
Unincorporated San Benito County sets objective noise limits in Section 19.39.030 ('Maximum Permissible Sound Pressure Levels'), part of Chapter 19.39. The limits are measured at the affected property line and back up the general disturbance rule in Section 19.39.020. Confirm the exact decibel figures in Section 19.39.030 itself, as verbatim numbers were not published in the sources reviewed.
Outdoor music and events in unincorporated San Benito County are governed by Chapter 19.39 (Sections 19.39.020 and 19.39.030) and, for recurring or large events, by land-use permits from the County Resource Management Agency. Winery, ranch, and festival events in the Cienega and Paicines wine country typically carry permit conditions on sound levels, setbacks, and end times.
Vehicle noise on public roads in unincorporated San Benito County is governed mainly by the California Vehicle Code, enforced by the Sheriff and CHP. Section 27150 requires a working muffler, and Section 27151 bars modifying an exhaust to amplify noise. Stationary or off-road vehicle noise on private property can also fall under the County's disturbance rule in Section 19.39.020.
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