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

Construction noise in unincorporated Sacramento County is governed by the exemption provisions of County Code Chapter 6.68. According to the county's published Noise Control Program and Section 6.68.090, noise from construction, repair, remodeling, demolition, paving or grading of real property is exempt from the standard maximum noise limits provided the work does not take place during the restricted nighttime hours. The county states work is prohibited between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. on weekdays. Weekend rules are tighter on the early end: work is restricted from 8 p.m. Friday through 7 a.m. Saturday, and from 8 p.m. Saturday through 7 a.m. Sunday, giving a 7 a.m. weekend start rather than 6 a.m. There is a limited exception for unforeseen or unavoidable conditions: when a project reaches a point where work in progress must be continued until a specific phase is completed, the contractor or owner may continue operating machinery and equipment past 8 p.m. until that work is finished. Because permitted construction during allowed hours is exempt from the dBA caps, neighbors generally cannot use the 55/50 dBA standards against daytime construction noise; the practical limit is the time-of-day window. Outside those hours, construction noise loses its exemption and becomes subject to enforcement.