San Benito County, CA Noise from Specific Sources: Generator Noise (2026)
Key Facts
- Testing window
- 7:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m., Mon–Sat
- Outage use
- unrestricted during power outages
- Scope
- wireless telecom facility generators only
- Other generators
- governed by general § 19.39.030
Summary
The county's only generator-specific noise rule covers backup generators at wireless telecom facilities in unincorporated San Benito County, limiting testing and maintenance runs to daytime weekday hours.
NOISE AND TRAFFIC. Normal maintenance activities shall only occur between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Saturday, excluding emergency repairs. Backup generators shall only be operated during power outages or for testing and maintenance between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Saturday.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2025 S-28: current through Ordinance 1078).
Full Breakdown
San Benito County Code Section 7.11.010, part of the wireless telecommunications facility standards, allows backup generators at telecom sites to run only during actual power outages, or for testing and maintenance between 7:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Saturday, the same window as normal facility maintenance. The county code has no separate rule for generators at homes, farms, or other businesses in the unincorporated area; those are instead measured against the general Section 19.39.030 property-line decibel table like any other noise source.
Violations & Fines
Running a telecom-site backup generator outside the permitted testing window is enforced like any other code violation: escalating infraction fines up to $500, or a misdemeanor carrying up to $1,000 and six months in jail.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does San Benito County limit generator noise at my house?
When can a cell site's backup generator run for testing?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Benito County
California rules heatmap·Compare San Benito County to another location·View the California noise from specific sources overview
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