Tehama County, CA Noise from Specific Sources: Generator Noise (2026)
Key Facts
- Weekday quiet hours
- 10 p.m.-7 a.m.
- Weekend quiet hours
- 10:30 p.m.-8 a.m.
- Emergency-work generators
- Exempt at any time
- Violation classification
- Misdemeanor, public nuisance
- Enforced only in
- Unincorporated Tehama County
Summary
In unincorporated Tehama County, California, generator noise falls under the general quiet-hours standard, no exemption exists for routine or recreational generators, but generators used for emergency work are exempt from the noise ordinance at any hour under §17.77.040(B).
There shall be no noise as described in this subsection, except as allowed in Section 17.77.040, between the hours of ten p.m. and seven a.m. Monday through Friday or between the hours of ten thirty p.m. and eight a.m. Saturday and Sunday... The following activities shall be exempted from the provisions of this chapter: ...B. Any mechanical device, apparatus or equipment related to or connected with emergency activities or emergency work at any time.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 23).
Full Breakdown
Under §17.77.030(A), a generator's noise counts as a violation if it's audible enough to repeat or recite from 500 feet beyond the property line during quiet hours: 10 p.m.-7 a.m. Monday-Friday, or 10:30 p.m.-8 a.m. Saturday-Sunday, once three nearby households complain within 24 hours. §17.77.040(B) carves out one exception: any generator, mechanical device, or equipment connected with emergency activities or emergency work is exempt from the chapter at any time. This applies only in the unincorporated area of Tehama County. Red Bluff, Corning, and the City of Tehama enforce their own separate municipal noise codes.
Violations & Fines
A confirmed violation is a misdemeanor and a declared public nuisance; the enforcing officer (code enforcement, sheriff, or environmental health) can cite the owner/occupant, order abatement, or refer non-compliance to the district attorney.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I run a generator at night in unincorporated Tehama County?
Does this generator rule apply in Red Bluff or Corning?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Tehama County
California rules heatmap·Compare Tehama County to another location·View the California noise from specific sources overview
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