National City, CA Noise from Specific Sources: Delivery Truck Noise (2026)

National City has no ordinance aimed at delivery trucks by name. The provision that reaches delivery and receiving activity is Section 12.10.140 (Loading and unloading) of the Noise Control Ordinance in Title 12. It makes it unlawful to load, unload, open, close or otherwise handle boxes, crates, containers, building materials, garbage cans or similar objects between ten p.m. and seven a.m. daily in a manner that creates a noise disturbance across a residential real property line. The section adds a second test that runs around the clock: handling that at any time violates Section 12.06.020 is unlawful.

Section 12.06.020 and Table III supply the numbers. Sound is measured at the boundary of the property where it is produced, or at any point within the boundary of the affected property. Where a dock or loading area sits next to homes with fewer than 9 dwelling units, the limits are 45 dB(A) from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. and 55 dB(A) from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Multi-unit residential of 9 units or more is limited to 50 and 60, and commercial receiving land to 60 and 65. Light industry east of I-5 is limited to 70 and heavy industry west of I-5 to 80. Section 12.06.040 takes five dB off those limits when the noise contains a steady whine, screech or hum, or a repetitive impulsive noise such as hammering.

Section 12.10.040 sets an evidence shortcut: any noise audible at a distance of fifty feet or more from its source is prima facie evidence of a noise disturbance, unless a higher limit is specified elsewhere in Chapter 12.10 or the chapter tables. Section 12.12.060(E) exempts automotive noise from vehicles properly equipped and operating on public rights of way under the California Vehicle Code, so this rule targets the handling of cargo, not a truck driving the street.

The chief of police enforces nuisance noise, and code enforcement officers measure with a sound level meter whenever practicable.