Cathedral City, CA Noise from Specific Sources: HVAC & Mechanical Noise (2026)

Section 11.96.050(G) of the Cathedral City Municipal Code makes it unlawful to operate or permit the use of electrically operated compressor, fan, and other similar devices other than between eight a.m. and eight p.m. in residential zones and between seven a.m. and eight p.m. in all other zones. The code does not use the words air conditioner, condenser or HVAC. It regulates the equipment by what it is, an electrically operated compressor or fan or a similar device, and applies the same hours as every other activity in the list.

The sound level table in § 11.96.030(A)(6) works alongside the hours rule. It caps residential exterior noise at 65 dB(A) from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. and 50 from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m., measured at the lot line of the lot where the sound is coming from. Interior noise in a residence is capped at 50 and 40, measured at least four feet from the nearest wall, floor, or ceiling with all openings closed. Commercial and industrial exterior limits are 85 and 55. Where the ambient level already exceeds the table, no one can produce sound above the ambient level.

Exemptions in § 11.96.060 matter for equipment. Mechanical devices used for protection or salvage of agricultural crops during frost or other adverse weather are exempt. So are mechanical devices connected with emergency machinery, vehicles or work, and sounds generated in commercial and industrial zones that are necessary and incidental to the uses permitted there. Performance standards for Class A and B business and industrial uses are handled in Chapter 9.86 of the code.

The police department and the code compliance division jointly administer the chapter under § 11.96.080. The responsible person includes the owner, lessee or person lawfully in charge of the property, or whoever owns or controls the source of the noise.