Noise from Specific Sources in San Benito County, CA (2026)

3 rules for unincorporated San Benito County, California.

Verified from official government sources

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

HVAC & Mechanical Noise

Unincorporated San Benito County exempts air conditioning and refrigeration equipment tied to a lawful commercial or industrial use from the county's general noise-level standards entirely.

HVAC Noise Exemption in San Benito County

Few Restrictions

San Benito County Code § 19.39.051(C)

The following activities shall be exempt from the provisions of this chapter: ... (C) Noise sources associated with a lawful commercial or industrial activity caused by mechanical devices or equipment, including air conditioning or refrigeration systems.

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Generator Noise

The county's only generator-specific noise rule covers backup generators at wireless telecom facilities in unincorporated San Benito County, limiting testing and maintenance runs to daytime weekday hours.

Backup Generator Noise Hours in San Benito County

Some Restrictions

San Benito County Code § 7.11.010

NOISE AND TRAFFIC. Normal maintenance activities shall only occur between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Saturday, excluding emergency repairs. Backup generators shall only be operated during power outages or for testing and maintenance between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Saturday.

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Low-Frequency Bass Limits

In unincorporated San Benito County, repetitive bass sounds count as "plainly audible" under the noise code, so audio equipment producing bass that carries past 100 feet triggers the same limits as any other loud sound.

Bass Noise Rules in Unincorporated San Benito County

Some Restrictions

San Benito County Code §§ 19.39.010, 19.39.040(A)

PLAINLY AUDIBLE SOUND. Any sound for which the information content is unambiguously communicated to the listener, such as, but not limited to, understandable speech, comprehension of whether a voice is raised or normal, repetitive bass sounds, or comprehension of musical rhythms, without the aid of any listening device. ... No person shall operate any audio equipment ... between the hours of 10...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

All San Benito County ordinances

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