Folsom, CA Noise from Specific Sources: HVAC & Mechanical Noise (2026)
Key Facts
- Section
- Municipal Code § 8.42.070
- Older equipment limit
- 55 dBA exterior
- Newer equipment limit (1+ yr after)
- 50 dBA exterior
- Overrides
- General Tables 8.42.040/050
- Enforcement officer
- Community development director
Summary
Folsom caps air conditioning and refrigeration equipment noise at 55 dBA exterior if installed before the ordinance's effective date, dropping to 50 dBA for equipment installed or used more than a year later, overriding the chapter's general noise tables.
8.42.070 Air conditioning and refrigeration. Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 8.42.040 or 8.42.050, where the intruding noise source when measured as provided in Section 8.42.030 is an air-conditioning or refrigeration system or associated equipment installed prior to the effective date of this chapter, the exterior noise level shall not exceed 55 dBA, except where such equipment is otherwise exempt from the provisions of this chapter. The exterior noise level shall not exceed 50 dBA for such equipment installed or in use after 1 year after the effective date of this chapter.
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance 1369, passed April 28, 2026).
Full Breakdown
050. 060. For equipment installed or put into use more than one year after that effective date, the ceiling drops to 50 dBA exterior. 040, meaning any measured exceedance is a violation regardless of how briefly the unit runs. 020, alongside pumps, fans, and compressors, and the same measurement rules apply: a calibrated A-weighted sound level meter at slow response, with the microphone placed within 50 feet of the affected residence, school, church, hospital, or public library, positioned 3 to 5 feet above the ground away from reflective surfaces where practical.
Violations & Fines
A property owner or HVAC operator whose unit exceeds 55 dBA (older equipment) or 50 dBA (newer equipment) can be cited by the community development director as enforcement officer and may apply for a variance under Section 8.42.090, which the enforcement officer can approve, deny, or refer to the city council; an enforcement officer's written decision is appealable to the city council within 15 days. Continued noncompliance is handled through the city's general administrative and criminal enforcement chapters, 1.08 through 1.10.
Frequently Asked Questions
How loud can my air conditioner be in Folsom?
Does the general noise table apply to HVAC units instead of the AC-specific limit?
What happens if my new heat pump exceeds Folsom's noise limit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Folsom
California rules heatmap·Compare Folsom to another location·View the California noise from specific sources overview
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