Alameda County, CA Noise from Specific Sources: Bar & Nightclub Noise (2026)
Key Facts
- Governs
- Unincorporated county only
- Commercial daytime limit
- 65 dB(A), 7 a.m.-10 p.m.
- Commercial nighttime limit
- 60 dB(A), 10 p.m.-7 a.m.
- Music/speech noise
- Standard cut by 5 dB(A)
Summary
Bars and nightclubs in unincorporated Alameda County must keep exterior noise at or under the county's decibel table, day and night.
A.It is unlawful for any person at any location within the unincorporated area of the county to create any noise or to allow the creation of any noise on property owned, leased, occupied or otherwise controlled by such person which causes the exterior noise level when measured at any single- or multiple-family residential, school, hospital, church, public library or commercial properties situated in either the incorporated or unincorporated area to exceed the noise level standards as set forth in Table 6.60.040A or Table 6.60.040B following: Table 6.60.040A
RECEIVING LAND USE — SINGLE- OR MULTIPLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL, SCHOOL, HOSPITAL, CHURCH OR PUBLIC LIBRARY PROPERTIES NOISE LEVEL STANDARDS, dB(A)
Category Cumulative Number of Minutes in any one hour time period Daytime 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Nighttime
10 p.m. to 7 a.m.
1 30 50 45 2 15 55 50 3 5 60 55 4 1 65 60 5 0 70 65
Table 6.60.040B
RECEIVING LAND USE — COMMERCIAL PROPERTIES NOISE LEVEL STANDARDS, dB(A)
Category Cumulative Number of Minutes in any one hour time period Daytime 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Nighttime
10 p.m. to 7 a.m.
1 30 65 60 2 15 70 65 3 5 75 70 4 1 80 75 5 0 85 80
Full Breakdown
Chapter 6.60 sets exterior noise limits for every property type, including commercial land uses that cover bars and nightclubs, in unincorporated Alameda County only -- not inside Oakland, Berkeley, or any of the county's 14 incorporated cities. Commercial properties may not exceed 65 dB(A) daytime / 60 dB(A) nighttime for sustained noise (Table 6.60.040B), dropping to as low as 60/55 dB(A) for brief but frequent bursts, with a further 5 dB(A) cut for music or speech-heavy noise. A bar or restaurant selling alcohol that generates repeated 'excessive loud noises, especially in the late night or early morning hours' also risks a nuisance finding and permit hearing under the county's separate alcoholic beverage sale performance standards (Alameda County Code § 6.104.060).
Violations & Fines
Infraction: $100 first offense, $200 second, $500 each additional violation within a year, enforced by the county director of environmental health or sheriff's deputies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this apply to a bar in Oakland or Berkeley?
Can a permitted event get an exception?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Alameda County
California rules heatmap·Compare Alameda County to another location·View the California noise from specific sources overview
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