Pacifica, CA Noise from Specific Sources: Delivery Truck Noise (2026)
Key Facts
- Loading/unloading noise
- Prohibited if loud/excessive, any hour
- Waste collection hours
- 5:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
- Exception authority
- City Manager written approval
- Applies to
- Franchise solid waste operator trucks
- Default penalty
- Misdemeanor up to $1,000 / 6 months
Summary
In the City of Pacifica, loud noise from loading or unloading a vehicle, or from opening and breaking down boxes and crates, is a disturbing noise violation under Pacifica Municipal Code § 5-10.03(i), and solid waste collection trucks may only run between 5:30 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. under § 5-10.03(p).
(i)Loading and unloading vehicles and opening boxes. The creation of loud and excessive noise in connection with loading or unloading any vehicle or the opening and destruction of bales, boxes, crates, and containers; ... (p)Solid waste collection. The collection of solid waste, including garbage, refuse, rubbish, and recyclable materials, by a duly authorized solid waste franchise operator other than between the hours of 5:30 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. except in the event of urgent necessity in the interest of the public health, safety, and welfare pursuant to written authorization of the City Manager, which may be granted for the duration of the urgency.
Full Breakdown
03's enumerated noises include two provisions that reach delivery and collection trucks directly. Subsection (i) makes it a violation to create loud and excessive noise while loading or unloading any vehicle, or while opening and destroying bales, boxes, crates and containers, which covers the banging and dropping noise of commercial deliveries regardless of the hour. m. , if it is determined that public health, safety or welfare will not be impaired and that the later hours are needed for efficient, economical collection. 02, which applies to any loud, disturbing or unusual noise not otherwise enumerated.
Violations & Fines
Chapter 10 has no separate fine schedule, so a Section 5-10.03(i) or (p) citation is enforced under the Code's general penalty, Section 1-2.01: a misdemeanor of up to $1,000 and six months in county jail, or an infraction at the City Attorney's discretion starting at $100 for a first offense and rising to $500 for a third or later offense within a year.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time can trash trucks run in Pacifica?
Is there a rule against loud delivery trucks unloading early in the morning?
Can the city ever allow trash pickup before 5:30 a.m.?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Pacifica
California rules heatmap·Compare Pacifica to another location·View the California noise from specific sources overview
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