Redlands, CA Noise from Specific Sources: HVAC & Mechanical Noise (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- Redlands Municipal Code § 8.06.100
- Nighttime residential limit
- 50 dBA, 10 PM-7 AM
- Daytime residential limit
- 60 dBA, 7 AM-10 PM
- Enforcing officer
- Noise Control Officer (code enforcement)
- Penalty
- Infraction or misdemeanor, per day
Summary
Redlands Municipal Code section 8.06.100 makes it unlawful to run residential air conditioning or air handling equipment loud enough to exceed the exterior noise limits in Table 1 of section 8.06.070, which caps single-family residential noise at 50 dBA overnight and 60 dBA during the day. The Noise Control Officer enforces the limit.
RESIDENTIAL AIR CONDITIONING OR AIR HANDLING EQUIPMENT: It shall be unlawful to operate or permit the operation of any air conditioning or air handling equipment in such a manner as to exceed the sound levels set forth in table 1, section 8.06.070 of this chapter.
Full Breakdown
070. , with the same limits applying to multi-family residential, public space and institutional uses; commercial property is allowed 60 dBA at night and 65 dBA during the day, and industrial property is capped at 75 dBA at any time. 070(B) further limits how long a noise can exceed the base standard: no more than thirty minutes an hour at the base level, fifteen minutes an hour at five decibels over, five minutes an hour at ten decibels over, and so on down to a hard ceiling at twenty decibels over the standard.
060, taking readings at the receiving property line or, for interior complaints, at least four feet inside the affected room with windows closed. 140, with each day of continuing violation charged as a separate offense.
Violations & Fines
Operating air conditioning or air handling equipment above the Table 1 exterior noise limits violates section 8.06.100. The Noise Control Officer investigates with calibrated sound meters, and the city attorney may prosecute a violation as either an infraction or a misdemeanor under section 8.06.140, with each day the equipment remains out of compliance treated as a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
How loud can my AC unit legally be in Redlands?
Who enforces the air conditioning noise limit?
What's the penalty for a noisy air conditioner?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Redlands
California rules heatmap·Compare Redlands to another location·View the California noise from specific sources overview
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