Fullerton, CA Noise from Specific Sources: Bar & Nightclub Noise (2026)
Key Facts
- Zones covered
- C-3 and G-C commercial
- Daytime limit
- 75 dBA (5-min), 80 dBA (1-min)
- Nighttime limit
- 65 dBA (5-min), 70 dBA (1-min)
- Late-night exception
- 75/80 dBA to 1:30 a.m. Fri-Sun with permit
- Outdoor entertainment cap
- 80 dBA, 5-10 p.m. with permit
- Measurement point
- Property line of noise source
- Enforcement
- Code Enforcement Division, FMC § 15.90.070
Summary
Fullerton caps commercial noise from bars, nightclubs and outdoor entertainment in the C-3 and G-C zones under FMC § 15.90.030(B). Table 2-1 sets exterior limits of 75 dBA (5-minute) and 80 dBA (1-minute) measured at the property line, tightening to 65/70 dBA overnight unless the city has approved an entertainment permit extending hours to 1:30 a.m. Fridays through Sundays.
(B) The following noise standards, unless otherwise specifically indicated, shall apply to all property zoned C-3 and G-C: ... (2) All commercial activities, including but not limited to, outdoor dining and outdoor events and performances, shall comply with the following noise standards: ... (b) The noise limits in Table 2-1 apply to all commercial activities within the C-3 and G-C zones, including outdoor dining, amplified sound, and entertainment. Measurements are taken at the property line of the parcel where the noise originates, and compliance is determined from those measurements. Table 2-1: Exterior Noise Levels (dBA) Time Period 5 min. 1 min. 7:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m. 75 80; 10:00 p.m. - 7:00 a.m. 65 70; Fri-Sun 10:00 p.m. - 1:30 a.m.* 75 80; Outdoor Entertainment (5:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.)* 80 dBA max. *Only apply when approved by the city (e.g. entertainment permit, administrative restaurant use permit, conditional use permit, or other applicable approval.) (c) A special event (approved pursuant to a permit) or city-sponsored community activities, such as New Years Eve celebrations, shall be exempt from the noise restrictions contained within § 15.90.030.
Full Breakdown
030(B) sets a separate, higher noise ceiling for property zoned C-3 (Central Business District Commercial) and G-C (General Commercial), the zones that hold the city's bars, restaurants and nightclubs. 030(B)(2)(b) measures compliance at the property line of the parcel generating the sound. , dropping to 65/70 dBA overnight. on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights, an exception unapproved venues do not get. 030(B)(2)(c) carves out a further exemption for permitted special events and city-sponsored gatherings such as New Year's Eve celebrations, which are not held to these limits at all.
060(D). 030(D)-(E) to residential zones, C-3 and G-C properties are held to the flat Table 2-1 numbers with no extra tolerance for short bursts. 070(A)(2), on top of any citation.
Violations & Fines
A citation for exceeding Table 2-1 is enforced as an infraction or misdemeanor under FMC § 1.08.010: fines up to $100 for a first offense, $200 for a second within a year, and $500 for each additional offense, or misdemeanor prosecution carrying up to $1,000 and six months in county jail. Operators may appeal a citation to the City Council within 15 days under § 15.90.080, and repeat violations can trigger revocation of the entertainment permit under § 15.90.070(A)(2).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a Fullerton bar play music after 10 p.m.?
Where does the city measure nightclub noise?
Is outdoor entertainment noise capped differently?
What happens after repeated noise complaints against a bar?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Fullerton
California rules heatmap·Compare Fullerton to another location·View the California noise from specific sources overview
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