Sacramento County, CA Noise from Specific Sources: HVAC & Mechanical Noise (2026)
Key Facts
- Property-line limit (post-1981 units)
- 55 dBA
- Property-line limit (1976-1981 units)
- 60 dBA
- Neighboring patio/window limit
- 55 dBA
- Pre-1976 equipment ceiling
- 65 dBA
- Variance application fee
- $75
- Appeal deadline to Board of Supervisors
- 10 days
- Violation classification
- Infraction, separate offense per day
Summary
Sacramento County Code § 6.68.120 caps noise from stationary air conditioners, fans, pumps, compressors and cooling towers installed after July 1, 1976 at 60 dBA measured a foot inside the neighbor's residential property line, 55 dBA at a neighboring patio, and 55 dBA outside a neighboring living-area window. Units installed five years later must meet a tighter 55 dBA property-line cap.
§ 6.68.120. Machinery, Equipment, Fans and Air Conditioning. a. It is unlawful for any person to operate any mechanical equipment, pump, fan, air conditioning apparatus, stationary pumps, stationary cooling towers, stationary compressors, similar mechanical devices, or any combination thereof installed after July 1, 1976 in any manner so as to create any noise which would cause the maximum noise level to exceed: 1. Sixty dBA at any point at least one foot inside the property line of the affected residential property and three to five feet above ground level; 2. Fifty-five dBA in the center of a neighboring patio three to five feet above ground level; 3. Fifty-five dBA outside of the neighboring living area window nearest the equipment location. Measurements shall be taken with the microphone not more than three feet from the window opening but at least three feet from any other surface. b. Equipment installed five years after July 1, 1976 must comply with a maximum limit of fifty-five dBA at any point at least one foot inside the property line of the affected residential property and three to five feet above ground level.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4941150; v18 updated 2026-05-19).
Full Breakdown
The chapter sets a tiered standard tied to install date. Equipment installed after July 1, 1976 cannot push noise past 60 dBA at least one foot inside the affected residential property line (measured 3 to 5 feet above ground), 55 dBA at the center of a neighboring patio, or 55 dBA outside the nearest neighboring living-area window, with the microphone held within 3 feet of the window but at least 3 feet from any other surface. Equipment installed five years after that date (mid-1981 forward) must meet a stricter 55 dBA limit at the property line.
Older units get a phase-in: equipment installed before December 17, 1970 had until January 1, 1977 to meet a 65 dBA property-line ceiling, and equipment installed between December 16, 1970 and July 1, 1976 is held to that same 65 dBA limit. 060. 210, which must hold a public hearing within 60 days and decide within 30 days. 220, which must affirm, modify or reverse within 30 days of its own hearing.
Violations & Fines
Under § 6.68.230, the Sheriff, the County Health Officer or their representatives investigate noise complaints and, if the standard is exceeded, serve written notice citing the section violated, the dBA readings taken, and the time and place of detection, with an order to correct within a set deadline. Failing to correct in time makes the violation an infraction, and each day it continues is a separate offense (SCC 576 § 6, 1983). Section 6.68.240 also lets the County pursue nuisance abatement or injunctive relief in court independent of the infraction citation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How loud can my air conditioner or pool pump legally be in Sacramento County?
Where is the noise actually measured?
Can I ask for more time or a different limit if my equipment can't comply?
What happens if I ignore a noise complaint about my HVAC unit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Sacramento County
California rules heatmap·Compare Sacramento County to another location·View the California noise from specific sources overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.