Imperial County, CA Noise Ordinances: Construction Hours (2026)

Imperial County's noise ordinance (Title 9, Division 7, Noise Abatement and Control) does not contain a dedicated construction-hours section establishing fixed start and stop times for building work in unincorporated areas. The ordinance defines 'Construction Equipment' in Section 90701.00 as any tools, machinery or equipment used in connection with construction operations, including special construction equipment under the California Vehicle Code, but it does not exempt or schedule construction activity by time of day. Instead, construction noise is governed by the same framework as other sources: the one-hour average sound level limits in Section 90702.00 (which vary by zone and are lower at night, 10 p.m. to 7 a.m.) and the general prohibition in Section 90703.00 against any disturbing, excessive or offensive noise that annoys a reasonable person of normal sensitivity. In determining whether a violation exists, the County weighs factors including the level and nature of the noise, time of day, duration, and proximity to sleeping facilities. Because there is no specific construction carve-out, contractors should keep work within the applicable zone limits, especially after 10 p.m. Project-specific conditions of approval, conditional use permits, or CEQA mitigation measures on a given development may impose tighter construction-hour limits than the base ordinance. Always confirm parcel-specific permit conditions with Planning & Development Services before relying on the general rule.