10 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 11 cities in San Diego County, California.
Verified from official government sources
In unincorporated San Diego County, the Noise Abatement and Control ordinance (County Code Title 3, Division 6, Chapter 4) sets one-hour average sound limits that drop 5 dBA at night. In the most common single-family residential zones (RS, RR, A70, etc.) the limit is 50 dBA from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. and 45 dBA from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m.
In unincorporated San Diego County, County Code Section 36.408 bans operating construction equipment between 7 p.m. and 7 a.m., and on Sundays and listed holidays. During permitted hours, construction equipment may not exceed an eight-hour average of 75 dBA (Section 36.409).
In unincorporated San Diego County, County Code Section 36.414(c)(6) makes it unlawful to own, possess, or harbor an animal that, by frequent or long-continued noise, causes annoyance or discomfort to a person of normal sensitivity nearby. A written affirmation by two people from separate residences is prima facie evidence of a violation.
Unincorporated San Diego County has no leaf-blower-specific ordinance. Leaf blowers fall under the County's general sound-level limits (Sec. 36.404) and the routine-maintenance exemption (Sec. 36.417(b)(1)). Statewide, California AB 1346 and the CARB Small Off-Road Engine rule ban the SALE of new gas-powered blowers from model year 2024, but using existing equipment is still legal.
California AB 1346 (2021, Berman) — phase-out of new small off-road engines (Health & Safety Code § 43018.11)
SEC. 2. Section 43018.11 is added to the Health and Safety Code, to read: 43018.11. (a) (1) By July 1, 2022, the state board shall, consistent with federal law, adopt cost-effective and technologically feasible regulations to prohibit engine exhaust and evaporative emissions from new small off-road engines, as defined by the state board. Those regulations shall apply to engines produced on or a...
In unincorporated San Diego County, County Code Section 36.414(c)(2) prohibits radios, instruments, and other sound devices that disturb the peace or exceed the Section 36.404 limits 25 feet away in a public right-of-way. Sound trucks used for advertising are tightly restricted - 8 a.m.-9 p.m. only and a 65 dBA cap at 50 feet (Sec. 36.414(c)(4)).
Aircraft noise in flight is regulated by the Federal Aviation Administration, not by San Diego County. The County noise ordinance exempts activity preempted by State or federal law (Sec. 36.417(a)(6)). The County's role is land-use compatibility near airports through the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority's Airport Land Use Compatibility Plans.
In unincorporated San Diego County, industrial zones are limited to 70 dBA (M50/M52/M54) or 75 dBA (M56/M58/S82) at all times under County Code Section 36.404. Extractive industries (mines, borrow pits) are fixed at 75 dBA at the property line, and impulsive noise like blasting is capped at 82-85 dBA (Sec. 36.410).
Unincorporated San Diego County sets numeric, zone-based decibel limits in County Code Section 36.404. Standard residential zones are limited to a 50 dBA one-hour average from 7 a.m.-10 p.m. and 45 dBA from 10 p.m.-7 a.m.; multi-family 55/50, commercial 60/55, and industrial zones 70-75 dBA.
In unincorporated San Diego County, amplified sound in a County park is limited by Section 36.414(c)(2)(C): no more than 90 dBA at 50 feet from the source and no exceedance of the Section 36.404 limits at the park boundary, unless a Parks and Recreation Department permit is obtained. Permitted public events are otherwise exempt.
In unincorporated San Diego County, County Code Section 36.414(c)(8) prohibits using a motor vehicle to knowingly cause annoying noise by backfiring, tire-screeching, or operating without/with an altered muffler. Off-road recreational vehicles on private property are capped at 82 dBA daytime, dropping to 55 dBA at night (Sec. 36.416).
11 cities in San Diego County have their own noise ordinances rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
7 verified rules • Aircraft Noise, Amplified Music & Events
9 verified rules • Aircraft Noise, Amplified Music & Events
9 verified rules • Aircraft Noise, Amplified Music & Events
9 verified rules • Aircraft Noise, Amplified Music & Events
9 verified rules • Aircraft Noise, Amplified Music & Events
9 verified rules • Aircraft Noise, Amplified Music & Events
7 verified rules • Aircraft Noise, Amplified Music & Events
5 verified rules • Amplified Music & Events, Barking Dogs
5 verified rules • Amplified Music & Events, Barking Dogs
10 verified rules • Aircraft Noise, Amplified Music & Events
1 verified rule • Quiet Hours
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