Alameda County, CA Noise from Specific Sources: Low-Frequency Bass Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Audibility threshold
- 50 feet, any time of day
- Bass alone
- Sufficient to prove violation
- Applies to
- Unincorporated areas only
- Enforced by
- Peace officers
Summary
Unincorporated Alameda County bans stereo, TV and instrument sound plainly audible at 50 feet at any hour, and defines audible bass alone as enough to prove a violation.
"Plainly audible" means any sound that can be detected by a person using his or her unaided hearing faculties. As an example, if the sound source under investigation is a portable or personal vehicular sound amplification or reproduction device, the enforcement officer need not determine the title of a song, specific words, or the artist performing the song. The detection of the rhythmic base component of the music is sufficient to constitute a plainly audible sound.E.The restrictions contained in Section 6.60.050(B)(1), (2) and (3) shall not apply to:1.Activities which are governed by conditional use permits or other permits issued by the county, if those permits expressly regulate or control the amount of noise or sound which may be generated by the activities which are governed by the permit;2.Unincorporated areas of the county within the east county area plan; or3.Unincorporated areas of the county outside the urban growth boundary, as defined by "Measure D" ("Save Agricultural and Open Space Lands Initiative of 2000"). (Ord. 2005-16 §§ 1-4; prior gen. code §§ 3-107.501—3-107.503)
Full Breakdown
The county code makes it unlawful to operate a radio, stereo, television, drum, or other audio device that produces sound plainly audible at a distance of 50 feet, at any time of day, in unincorporated Alameda County. The code defines "plainly audible" broadly: for a vehicle or personal sound system, an enforcement officer doesn't need to identify the song, words, or artist, detecting the rhythmic bass component alone is enough to establish a violation. This standard governs unincorporated communities such as Castro Valley and San Lorenzo only, not Oakland, Berkeley or any other incorporated city in the county.
Violations & Fines
Enforced by peace officers; a plainly-audible violation is an infraction, with repeat violations subject to misdemeanor charges.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the officer need to identify the song?
Is there a nighttime-only exception?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Alameda County
California rules heatmap·Compare Alameda County to another location·View the California noise from specific sources overview
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