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

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Daytime limit
55 dBA (7am-10pm), 30 min/hr
Nighttime limit
50 dBA (10pm-7am), 30 min/hr
AC/refrigeration status
counts as 'fixed noise source'
Old AC noise allowance
expired January 1, 1996
Penalty
misdemeanor, up to 6 months jail

Summary

Air conditioners and refrigeration units in Chino count as 'fixed noise sources' under the city's noise ordinance and must meet the same exterior decibel limits as any other equipment: up to 55 dBA daytime, 50 dBA at night.

It is unlawful for any person at any location within the incorporated area of the city to create any noise...which causes the noise level when measured on any other property, to exceed: A.The noise standard for a cumulative period of more than thirty minutes in any hour; orB.The noise standard plus five dBA for a cumulative period of more than fifteen minutes in any hour; or...

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 38).

Full Breakdown

Chino's noise ordinance defines a 'fixed noise source' to include air conditioners, compressors, fans and refrigeration equipment (CMC § 9.40.010). Under § 9.40.040, exterior noise measured at a residential property line may not exceed 55 dBA for more than 30 minutes per hour between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m., or 50 dBA at night, with tighter caps for louder, shorter bursts. A separate provision, § 9.40.080, once let AC and refrigeration equipment installed before 1995 run 5 dBA louder, but that allowance expired January 1, 1996 and no longer applies today. Violations are misdemeanors under § 9.40.170.

Violations & Fines

Exceeding the noise standard is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine set by city council resolution, up to six months in jail, or both; each day of violation is a separate offense (CMC § 9.40.170).

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Chino give older AC units an extra noise allowance?
No. CMC § 9.40.080 allowed a temporary 5 dBA increase for AC/refrigeration equipment installed before 1995, but that allowance expired January 1, 1996 and is no longer in effect.
How loud can a neighbor's AC unit legally run in Chino?
Under the exterior noise standards (§ 9.40.040), a fixed source like an AC unit can't exceed 55 dBA for more than 30 minutes/hour in daytime, or 50 dBA at night, measured at the property line.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Chino

Parking Rules: Overnight ParkingSome RestrictionsCar Alarm LimitsSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Barking DogsSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Decibel LimitsSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Vehicle NoiseSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Curb Color RulesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Abandoned VehiclesSome Restrictions

All Chino rules

California rules heatmap·Compare Chino to another location·View the California noise from specific sources overview

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