7 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 5 cities in Santa Clara County, California.
Verified from official government sources
In unincorporated Santa Clara County, the County Noise Ordinance (Title B, Division B11, Chapter VIII of the County Ordinance Code) sets exterior noise limits by receiving land use rather than fixed clock-time quiet hours. Residential properties cannot generate noise that exceeds the daytime/nighttime limits in Table B11-152 measured at any other property line, with stricter limits between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. Tonal sounds, music, and speech with informational content reduce the allowable limit by 5 dB. The Department of Environmental Health Consumer Protection Division (CPD) investigates noise complaints in unincorporated areas at (408) 918-3400. Cities within the county (San Jose, Sunnyvale, Palo Alto, etc.) enforce their own municipal noise codes.
Santa Clara County unincorporated areas follow California AB 1346, which prohibits sale of new gas-powered leaf blowers statewide as of 2024. County noise ordinance restricts operation during nighttime hours.
AB-1346 (2021), Health & Safety Code § 43018.11
This bill would require the state board, by July 1, 2022, consistent with federal law, to 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. The bill would require the state board to identify and, to the extent feasible, make available funding for commercial rebates or...
Santa Clara County regulates amplified music through its noise ordinance with decibel limits and quiet hours. Outdoor amplified sound generally requires a permit and must meet property-line limits.
Aircraft noise is regulated federally by the FAA, not by Santa Clara County. San Jose International (SJC) operates under an FAA Part 150 noise compatibility program with a voluntary curfew from 11:30 PM to 6:30 AM.
Industrial noise in unincorporated Santa Clara County must comply with the County Noise Ordinance and CEQA thresholds. Industrial-zone limits are 70 dBA day and 65 dBA night at property lines.
Santa Clara County sets tiered decibel limits by zone: 55 dBA day and 45 dBA night in residential, 60/50 dBA in commercial, and 70/65 dBA in industrial areas, measured at the receiving property line.
Outdoor music events in unincorporated Santa Clara County typically require a temporary event permit and comply with noise limits. Foothill wedding venues operate under CUPs ending by 10:00 PM.
5 cities in Santa Clara County have their own noise ordinances rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
4 verified rules • Decibel Limits, Leaf Blower Rules
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
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Santa Clara County Ordinance Hub →