Construction hours in Chico, CA — sometimes called construction noise rules or contractor work-hour ordinances — set when contractors can run power tools, hammers, and heavy equipment.
Under CMC §9.38.060 categorical exemptions, construction is permitted 7 a.m.–9 p.m. Monday–Saturday and 10 a.m.–6 p.m. on Sundays and holidays. For new residential development and for work in commercial/industrial zones, an extended summer window (June 15–Sept 15) allows a 6 a.m. start on non-Sunday/holiday days. Construction equipment must stay under 83 dBA at 25 ft and 86 dBA at the property line.
Construction, alteration, and repair of structures are exempted from the standard residential dB caps during specified hours by CMC §9.38.060: 7 a.m.–9 p.m. on weekdays and Saturdays, and 10 a.m.–6 p.m. on Sundays and holidays. A heat-season carve-out for new residential development projects, and for construction/alteration/repair in commercial or industrial zones from June 15 through September 15 of each calendar year, allows work from 6 a.m.–9 p.m. on non-Sunday/holiday days (and 10 a.m.–6 p.m. on Sundays/holidays). Even during permitted hours, no individual piece of equipment may exceed 83 dBA at a distance of 25 feet, and the cumulative noise level at any point outside the project's property plane may not exceed 86 dBA. Outside the permitted hours, the standard §9.38.030 residential limits (70/60 dBA) apply.
Working outside permitted hours, or exceeding the 83/86 dBA equipment caps, subjects the contractor and property owner to citation under CMC §9.38.054. Stop-work orders may issue for repeated violations.
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