Madera County, CA Noise from Specific Sources: Low-Frequency Bass Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Threshold
- 0.1 in/sec, 1–100 Hz
- Private property limit
- measured at property line
- Right-of-way limit
- 150 feet from source
- Applies to
- unincorporated Madera County
Summary
Unincorporated Madera County bans operating any device that produces vibration above the 'vibration perception threshold' at the property line, the standard the code applies to low-frequency bass and similar vibration noise.
Operating or permitting the operation of any device that creates a vibration which is above the vibration perception threshold as defined in Section 9.58 at or beyond the property boundary of the source if on private property or one hundred fifty feet (forty-six meters) from the source if on a public right-of-way will be in violation of this chapter.G.Construction activities are limited to the hours of seven a.m. and seven p.m. Monday through Friday and nine a.m. and five p.m. on Saturdays. Construction activities will be prohibited on Saturdays. Construction activities outside of these hours may be approved at the discretion of the Director of Public Works. (Ord. No. 634, §§ 3, 4, 10-27-08; Ord. 582 § 1(part), 2001).
(Ord. No. 709A, § 1, 12-9-25; Ord. No. 709, § 1(Exh. A), 3-18-25)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 52).
Full Breakdown
Madera County Code § 9.58.020(F) makes it unlawful to operate a device producing vibration above the 'vibration perception threshold' at or beyond the property boundary of the source on private property, or one hundred fifty feet from the source if on a public right-of-way. Section 9.58.011 defines that threshold as a motion velocity of one-tenth inch per second measured over one to one hundred Hz: a range that covers low-frequency bass from amplified sound systems. The rule applies only in unincorporated Madera County and is enforced as part of the county's general noise chapter.
Violations & Fines
Violations are misdemeanors enforceable by administrative citation: up to $500 for a first offense, $750 for a second within a year, and $1,000 for each additional violation, per § 9.58.040.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Madera County regulate bass noise specifically?
How is the vibration threshold measured?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Madera County
California rules heatmap·Compare Madera County to another location·View the California noise from specific sources overview
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