Livermore, CA Noise from Specific Sources: Generator Noise (2026)
Key Facts
- Audibility limit
- Not audible beyond 75 feet
- Restricted hours
- Nights/weekends and city holidays
- Governing section
- LMC §9.36.040
- Penalty
- Infraction under LMC §1.16.010 (default)
- Exception
- City engineer/building official can authorize hours
Summary
Livermore Municipal Code Section 9.36.040 bans any noise-creating internal combustion engine, including a portable generator, unless it is muffled enough not to be plainly audible 75 feet from the source, or it only runs during the code's restricted overnight and weekend hours. A generator that is loud beyond 75 feet during quiet hours violates the section regardless of how it is being used.
The operation of any noise-creating blower, power fan or internal combustion engine, the operation of which causes noise due to the explosion of operating gases or fluids, is prohibited, unless the noise from such blower or fan is muffled and such engine is equipped with a muffler device to deaden such noise in such a manner so as not to be plainly audible at a distance of either 75 feet from the source of the noise, or between the hours of 6:00 p.m. Saturday to 7:00 a.m. Monday; 8:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursdays; 8:00 p.m. Friday to 9:00 a.m. on Saturday or at all on city-observed holidays.
Full Breakdown
100 as violations of the chapter. 040, titled Blowers, fans and combustion engines, prohibits operating any noise-creating blower, power fan or internal combustion engine whose operation causes noise from exploding gases or fluids, a description that covers a gas-powered portable generator, unless the noise is muffled so it is not plainly audible at a distance of 75 feet from the source. m. m. m. m. m. Saturday; and at all hours on city-observed holidays. daily, and the city engineer or building official can authorize restricted-hour operation for public-agency permit conditions, health and safety needs, or specific approved construction activities, with 24-hour advance notice to the police watch commander and adjacent residents.
Violations & Fines
Chapter 9.36 has no penalty section of its own, so a Section 9.36.040 violation is enforced as an infraction under the citywide schedule in Section 1.16.010, fined per Government Code Section 36900. A person who racks up a fourth infraction citation for the same conduct is instead charged with a misdemeanor under Section 1.16.010(B) and Penal Code Section 19.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my neighbor run a portable generator all night in Livermore?
What are the exact quiet hours for engines and generators?
Is there any exception for emergency power during an outage?
What fine can I actually get for a loud generator?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Livermore
California rules heatmap·Compare Livermore to another location·View the California noise from specific sources overview
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