San Benito County, CA Noise from Specific Sources: HVAC & Mechanical Noise (2026)
Key Facts
- Exempt equipment
- AC and refrigeration systems
- Condition
- tied to lawful commercial/industrial use
- Effect
- § 19.39.030/040 limits do not apply
- Not covered
- residential air conditioners
Summary
Unincorporated San Benito County exempts air conditioning and refrigeration equipment tied to a lawful commercial or industrial use from the county's general noise-level standards entirely.
The following activities shall be exempt from the provisions of this chapter: ... (C) Noise sources associated with a lawful commercial or industrial activity caused by mechanical devices or equipment, including air conditioning or refrigeration systems.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2025 S-28: current through Ordinance 1078).
Full Breakdown
San Benito County Code Section 19.39.051(C) exempts "noise sources associated with a lawful commercial or industrial activity caused by mechanical devices or equipment, including air conditioning or refrigeration systems" from the chapter's noise rules altogether: the Section 19.39.030 decibel table and Section 19.39.040 special-source hour limits do not apply. The exemption only covers equipment tied to a lawful commercial or industrial operation in the unincorporated county; a residential air conditioner is not named in this carve-out and would instead be measured against the standard property-line noise limits.
Violations & Fines
Commercial and industrial HVAC and refrigeration noise is exempt, so there is no Chapter 19.39 violation to cite; a non-exempt residential unit can still draw the same escalating infraction fines, up to $500, as any other source.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is commercial air conditioning noise regulated in unincorporated San Benito County?
Does the HVAC exemption cover a residential AC unit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Benito County
California rules heatmap·Compare San Benito County to another location·View the California noise from specific sources overview
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