Livermore, CA Noise from Specific Sources: HVAC & Mechanical Noise (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- LMC Sec. 9.36.040
- Audibility standard
- Not audible at 75 feet
- Weeknight cutoff
- 8:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.
- Weekend cutoff
- 6:00 p.m. Sat to 7:00 a.m. Mon
- Holidays
- Prohibited entirely
Summary
Livermore Municipal Code Sec. 9.36.040 bans any noise-creating blower, power fan or internal combustion engine unless it is muffled enough to stay inaudible 75 feet from the source, and bars operation outright during the code's restricted evening, weekend and city-holiday hours.
The operation of any noise-creating blower, power fan or internal combustion engine, the operation of which causes noise due to the explosion of operating gases or fluids, is prohibited, unless the noise from such blower or fan is muffled and such engine is equipped with a muffler device to deaden such noise in such a manner so as not to be plainly audible at a distance of either 75 feet from the source of the noise, or between the hours of 6:00 p.m. Saturday to 7:00 a.m. Monday; 8:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursdays; 8:00 p.m. Friday to 9:00 a.m. on Saturday or at all on city-observed holidays.
Full Breakdown
36 (Noise), targets mechanical equipment like HVAC blowers, condenser fans and combustion engines. The operation of such equipment is prohibited unless the noise is muffled so it is not plainly audible at a distance of 75 feet from the source. m. m. m. m. m. Saturday, or at all on city-observed holidays. 3(g)) and was last amended by Ordinance 1672 in 2002. 020. 010, a first violation is an infraction with fines set under Government Code Section 36900, while a third citation escalates to a misdemeanor under Penal Code Section 19.
Residents can report a noisy condenser unit or rooftop HVAC blower to Livermore Police Department non-emergency dispatch, and code enforcement can independently cite a property owner for a unit that runs unmuffled or during the barred hours regardless of decibel level, since the standard is audibility at 75 feet, not a metered reading.
Violations & Fines
A first offense is an infraction under LMC Section 1.16.010, with the fine amount set by Government Code Section 36900. Each day the noisy equipment continues to run counts as a separate violation under Section 1.16.040. A third infraction citation for the same violation is charged as a misdemeanor, punishable under Penal Code Section 19.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my neighbor's air conditioner unit violate Livermore's noise code?
What hours are HVAC equipment noise restricted in Livermore?
Who enforces HVAC noise complaints in Livermore?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Livermore
California rules heatmap·Compare Livermore to another location·View the California noise from specific sources overview
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