Kern County's Zoning Ordinance caps stationary commercial and industrial noise at 65 dB Ldn measured at the nearest home when a use sits within 500 feet of residential zoning (Section 19.80.030.S). A data center's chillers, cooling fans, and backup generators must meet this exterior standard.
Kern County writes its numeric noise standard into the Zoning Ordinance rather than a standalone chapter. Under Section 19.80.030.S, all non-mobile (stationary) noise sources from commercial and industrial uses, except those in the M-3 Heavy Industrial District, that sit within 500 feet of residentially zoned or developed land (E, R-1, R-2, R-3) may not generate noise exceeding an average of 65 dB Ldn between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m., and at night (10 p.m.-7 a.m.) may not exceed 65 dB or a 5 dB increase over ambient, whichever is greater. Measurements are taken with an A-weighted meter at the exterior of the closest residential dwelling.
Cooling or generator noise above 65 dB Ldn at a nearby home, or above the nighttime ambient-plus-5 dB level, violates Section 19.80.030.S; the Planning Director can require noise attenuation measures and code enforcement can compel abatement.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Ridgecrest, CA
Aircraft noise in Ridgecrest is regulated by the FAA and the adjacent Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake (NAWS). Local ordinances do not govern military or...
Ridgecrest, CA
Ridgecrest prohibits unnecessary noise that disturbs residents under its municipal code. Quiet hours are generally enforced from 10 PM to 7 AM in residential...
Ridgecrest, CA
Persistent barking that constitutes a nuisance is prohibited under the Ridgecrest Municipal Code. Ridgecrest Animal Control responds to barking dog complaints.
Ridgecrest, CA
Construction noise in Ridgecrest is restricted to daytime weekday and Saturday hours under the RMC. No construction is permitted on Sundays without special a...
Ridgecrest, CA
Ridgecrest regulates street parking under Chapter 15 (Traffic and Vehicles) of the RMC. Certain streets have time-restricted or prohibited parking zones.
Ridgecrest, CA
Large commercial vehicles parked in residential zones in Ridgecrest are subject to RMC zoning and traffic regulations.
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Kern County.
See how Ridgecrest's data center noise limits rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.