Construction hours in San Diego County, CA — sometimes called construction noise rules or contractor work-hour ordinances — set when contractors can run power tools, hammers, and heavy equipment.
In unincorporated San Diego County, County Code Section 36.408 bans operating construction equipment between 7 p.m. and 7 a.m., and on Sundays and listed holidays. During permitted hours, construction equipment may not exceed an eight-hour average of 75 dBA (Section 36.409).
Section 36.408 of the County's Noise Abatement and Control ordinance makes it unlawful to operate construction equipment between 7 p.m. and 7 a.m., or on a Sunday or holiday. The named holidays are January 1, the last Monday in May (Memorial Day), July 4, the first Monday in September (Labor Day), December 25, and any special national holiday declared by the President or special State holiday declared by the Governor. There is a narrow homeowner exception: a person may run construction equipment on a Sunday or holiday between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. at their own residence or to build a residence for themselves, but only if the work is not for any financial or other consideration and still complies with the sound limits in Sections 36.409 and 36.410. During permitted hours (7 a.m.-7 p.m.), Section 36.409 caps construction equipment at an average sound level of 75 dBA over an eight-hour period, measured at the property boundary or on any occupied receiving property. Impulsive noise (e.g., pile driving, blasting) is separately limited by Section 36.410 to a maximum of 82 dBA at residential/civic property and 85 dBA at agricultural/commercial/industrial property (higher for public road projects). Emergency work is exempt.
Construction noise sections are enforced by the County noise control officer (Director of Planning and Land Use), who may order a violation to cease and abate a public nuisance under Section 36.419. A person performing non-emergency public-benefit work who cannot comply may apply for a variance under Sections 36.423-36.427. Operating outside permitted hours or above the 75 dBA eight-hour limit is a violation of Chapter 4.
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