San Bernardino County, CA Noise from Specific Sources: Generator Noise (2026)
Key Facts
- Night Limit
- 45 dBA residential
- PSPS Exempt
- During declared outages
- SCAQMD Threshold
- 50 hp stationary
- Annual Hours
- 50 hr non-emergency
Summary
Standby and portable generators in unincorporated San Bernardino County must meet Title 8 limits (45 dBA night residential). PSPS and emergency use is exempt. SCAQMD Rule 1470 permits stationary units over 50 hp.
This rule shall apply to any person who owns or operates a stationary CI engine in the South Coast Air Quality Management District with a rated brake horsepower greater than 50 (>50 bhp)... EMERGENCY STANDBY ENGINE means a stationary engine that... is installed for the primary purpose of providing electrical power or mechanical work during an emergency use and is not the source of primary power at the facility... (i) Hours of Operating Requirements: New stationary emergency standby diesel-fueled engines (>50 bhp) shall not operate more than 50 hours per year for maintenance and testing, as defined in paragraph (b)(43).
Full Breakdown
Generator noise regulation in unincorporated San Bernardino County applies in layers. Under Title 8 Division 3, a residential standby generator (whole-house natural gas units like Generac or Kohler) must keep sound at or below 55 dBA during day hours and 45 dBA at night at the nearest residential property line. Modern 20-22 kW home standby units rated around 65 dB at 23 feet typically comply when set back 10-20 feet from the lot line with a baffle or sound-deadening enclosure. Portable gas and diesel generators used for RV camping, desert events, and temporary power are louder (70-85 dB at 7 feet) and frequently violate at the property line.
During Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) declared by Southern California Edison and in emergency-declared outages (common in the mountain and desert fire zones), reasonable generator use is effectively tolerated. Stationary generators over 50 horsepower require South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) Rule 1470 permits limiting operating hours, typically 50 hours per year for non-emergency use, plus particulate and NOx controls. Data center, warehouse, and cell-tower backup generators are a growing complaint source in the Inland Empire.
Violations & Fines
Generator exceeding 45 dBA at night: Title 8 citation. Stationary generator over 50 hp without SCAQMD Rule 1470 permit: air district enforcement with significant penalties. Routine non-emergency use exceeding 50 hours annually: SCAQMD violation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I run my portable generator overnight in the High Desert?
Do I need a permit for a whole-house standby generator?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Bernardino County
California rules heatmap·Compare San Bernardino County to another location·View the California noise from specific sources overview
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