Irvine caps stationary-source noise at the receiving property. At homes (Noise Zone 1), exterior noise cannot exceed 55 dB(A) daytime (7 a.m.-10 p.m.) or 50 dB(A) at night (10 p.m.-7 a.m.). Municipal Code Sec. 6-8-204 sets the table; data-center cooling and generators must comply.
Irvine's noise ordinance, Municipal Code Sec. 6-8-204, makes it unlawful to create noise exceeding the standard for the receiving noise zone. Noise Zone 1 (residential, schools, hospitals) exterior limits are 55 dB(A) from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. and 50 dB(A) from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. Short-duration tiers rise to 75 dB(A); Noise Zone 4 (industrial) allows 70 dB(A) at any hour. When the noise source and affected property sit in different zones, the affected property's standard applies - so a data center in an industrial zone abutting homes must meet the 55/50 residential limits, measured anywhere on the home's property. Tonal noise triggers a 5 dB(A) reduction.
Noise exceeding the Sec. 6-8-204 standards is unlawful and enforced by the Chief Building Official through citations; a data center's continuous fan and generator noise is measured against the nearest receiver's zone limit.
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