Noise Ordinances in San Luis Obispo County, CA (2026)
6 rules for unincorporated San Luis Obispo County, California.
Verified from official government sources
Quiet Hours
In unincorporated San Luis Obispo County, exterior noise at any noise-sensitive land use must not exceed 50 dBA equivalent (Leq) or 70 dBA maximum during the day (7 a.m.-10 p.m.) and 45 dBA Leq or 65 dBA maximum at night (10 p.m.-7 a.m.) under County Code Section 23.06.044.
Nighttime exterior noise limit 45 dBA Leq / 65 dBA max
Some RestrictionsSan Luis Obispo Co. Code Section 23.06.044 (Exterior Noise Level Standards)
23.06.044 Exterior noise level standards. No person shall create any noise, or allow the creation of any noise on property owned, leased, occupied or otherwise controlled by such person which causes the exterior noise level... to exceed the noise level standards: 50 dBA Leq / 70 dBA Lmax (7 a.m.-10 p.m.); 45 dBA Leq / 65 dBA Lmax (10 p.m.-7 a.m.). Standards are reduced by 5 dB for simple tone n...
Construction Hours
San Luis Obispo County Code Section 23.06.042(d) exempts construction noise from the exterior noise standards provided the activity occurs only between 7 a.m. and 9 p.m. on weekdays, or between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. Outside those windows, construction noise is enforceable.
Construction allowed 7 a.m.-9 p.m. weekdays; 8-5 weekends
Some RestrictionsSan Luis Obispo Co. Code Section 23.06.042(d) (Construction-noise exception)
23.06.042 Exceptions. The standards of Sections 23.06.044 through 23.06.050 do not apply to: ... (d) noise sources associated with construction, provided such activities do not take place before seven a.m. or after nine p.m. any day except Saturday or Sunday, or before eight a.m. or after five p.m. on Saturday or Sunday.
Barking Dogs
Under San Luis Obispo County Code Section 9.04.080, a dog, cat or household pet is declared a public nuisance when three or more persons living in separate dwelling units in the neighborhood affirm in writing that the animal is a habitual nuisance due to frequent, persistent or long-continued howling, barking or other noise.
3 neighbors required to declare barking-dog public nuisance
Some RestrictionsSan Luis Obispo Co. Code Section 9.04.080 (Abatement of noise or nuisance)
9.04.080 Abatement of noise or nuisance. When three or more persons living in separate dwelling units in the neighborhood affirm in writing that any dog, cat or household pet is a habitual nuisance by reason of frequent, persistent or long-continued howling, barking or other noise... the division, after investigation, shall serve written notice upon the owner or custodian that the public nuisan...
Amplified Music & Outdoor Sound
Amplified music in unincorporated San Luis Obispo County is regulated under County Code Section 23.06.044, which reduces the applicable exterior noise limit by 5 dB when the noise consists primarily of speech or music. Temporary events with amplified sound require a Minor Use Permit and a noise study per Section 23.08.248.
Amplified speech/music penalized 5 dB; permits at temp events
Some RestrictionsSan Luis Obispo Co. Code Section 23.06.044 (adjustment for speech or music)
23.06.044 ... Standards are reduced by 5 dB for simple tone noises, noises consisting primarily of speech or music, or for recurring impulsive noises.
Aircraft Noise
Aircraft noise in flight is preempted by federal law and is expressly exempted from San Luis Obispo County's noise standards by Section 23.06.042. Land-use compatibility around the SLO County Regional Airport and Paso Robles Municipal Airport is controlled instead by the Airport Land Use Plan's CNEL contours.
Aircraft preempted; ALUP CNEL contours guide land use
Some RestrictionsSan Luis Obispo Co. Code Section 23.06.042 (Aircraft-in-flight exemption)
23.06.042 Exceptions. The standards of Sections 23.06.044 through 23.06.050 do not apply to: ... traffic on public roadways, railroad line operations, aircraft in flight, where the regulation of such activities is preempted by state or federal law.
Decibel Limits
In unincorporated inland San Luis Obispo County, noise reaching a home, school, church, hospital or similar sensitive use may not exceed a 50 dB hourly average by day or 45 dB at night, with a 70/65 dB hard ceiling and a 5 dB penalty for music or speech.
SLO County Inland Exterior Noise Limits
Some RestrictionsSan Luis Obispo County Code § 22.10.120(B)
B.Exterior noise level standards. ...1.No person shall create any noise or allow the creation of any noise at any location within the unincorporated areas of the county on property owned, leased, occupied or otherwise controlled by the person which causes the exterior noise level when measured at any of the preceding noise-sensitive land uses situated in either the incorporated or unincorporate...
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