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.
Kern County, CA
No Kern County-specific ordinance directly restricts leaf blower use, hours, or decibel levels in unincorporated areas; the county's general noise rules and ...
Kern County, CA
Stationary noise sources at commercial and industrial sites within 500 feet of residentially developed and zoned property in unincorporated Kern County may n...
Kern County, CA
Kern County does not impose local aircraft-overflight noise restrictions; aircraft noise is federally preempted by the FAA. The county participates in a FAR ...
Kern County, CA
Section 7.08.380 of the Kern County Code makes it unlawful to keep or harbor any animal whose howling, yelping, barking, or other noise disturbs or annoys a ...
Kern County, CA
Unincorporated Kern County has no blanket ban on storing an operable, registered RV or boat at home, but zoning parking requirements (§ 19.82.020), the 72-ho...
Kern County, CA
California law requires Kern County to approve applications to install electric vehicle charging stations administratively through a nondiscretionary buildin...
See how Kern County'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 If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.