Fairfield, CA Noise from Specific Sources: Bar & Nightclub Noise (2026)
Key Facts
- Tests
- neighbor disturbance OR Table 25.1401 limit
- Nighttime residential limit
- 45 dBA Leq / 65 dBA Lmax
- Daytime residential limit
- 50 dBA Leq / 70 dBA Lmax
- Governing section
- § 25.1404
- First offense fine
- up to $100
- Repeat complaints
- can trigger use-permit review
Summary
Fairfield's 'places of public entertainment' clause in § 25.1404 bars operating a radio, television, phonograph, drum, musical instrument, sound amplifier, or similar device inside a bar, club, or entertainment venue so loudly that it disturbs a neighbor at the property line or exceeds the numeric limits in Table 25.1401.
Places of public entertainment - Operating, playing or permitting the operation or playing of any radio, television, phonograph, drum, musical instrument, sound amplifier, or similar device which produces, reproduces or amplifies sound in any place of public entertainment such that the noise level at the property line disturbs a reasonable person owning, using, or occupying property in the neighborhood or that exceeds the standards set forth in Table 25.1401.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4962673; v0 updated 2026-02-17).
Full Breakdown
1401. 1401, which sets the nearby residential exterior limit at 50 dBA Leq / 70 dBA Lmax by day and 45 dBA Leq / 65 dBA Lmax by night, measured at the property line. Either test alone supports a citation; a venue does not need to exceed the decibel table if its music still disturbs a reasonable neighbor. 1404 noise standard applies regardless of what the permit says.
Violations & Fines
The citywide penalty at Chapter 1, Article I, § 1.7 applies: a first violation is an infraction with a fine up to $100, and a second violation within a year can be an infraction up to $250 or a misdemeanor with a fine up to $1,000 and up to six months in county jail. Repeat complaints against the same venue can also trigger a conditional use permit review.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a Fairfield bar be cited for loud music even if it's under the decibel limit?
What decibel limit applies to a nightclub near homes in Fairfield?
Can repeated noise complaints shut down a Fairfield bar?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Fairfield
California rules heatmap·Compare Fairfield to another location·View the California noise from specific sources overview
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Bar & Nightclub Noise in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Solano County handle bar & nightclub noise.