Santa Cruz County, CA Noise Ordinances: Construction Hours (2026)
Construction hours in Santa Cruz County, CA, sometimes called construction noise rules or contractor work-hour ordinances, set when contractors can run power tools, hammers, and heavy equipment.
Key Facts
- Governing code
- SCCC 13.15.040 (Exemptions)
- Weekday hours
- 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- Extended hours
- 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. only with Building Official approval
- Saturdays
- 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m., advance approval, max 3/month
- Sundays/holidays
- No construction noise allowed
- Permit required
- County permit must be obtained for the exemption to apply
Summary
Unincorporated Santa Cruz County allows permitted construction noise only 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on weekdays under County Code 13.15.040, extendable to 7:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m. only with prior Building Official approval. Saturday work needs advance authorization (9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m., up to three Saturdays a month). No work on Sundays or federal holidays.
Noise sources normally and reasonably associated with construction, repair, remodeling, or grading of any real property, provided a permit has been obtained ... shall take place between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. on weekdays unless the Building Official has in advance authorized said activities to start at 7:00 a.m. and/or continue no later than 7:00 p.m. Such activities shall not take place on Saturdays unless ... between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. and no more than three Saturdays per month.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: the cited page had not changed since it was quoted.
Full Breakdown
15 (Noise Planning) implements the General Plan Noise Element. on weekdays. m. and no more than three Saturdays per month. Construction noise is prohibited on Sundays and federal holidays, and during early-morning or late-evening hours outside the permitted weekday/Saturday windows. 30. The General Plan separately directs the County to require best management practices to reduce construction noise as a condition of project approval, particularly where levels would exceed 75 dB at neighboring sensitive uses or where construction lasts more than 7 days.
Violations & Fines
Construction outside the SCCC 13.15.040 exempt hours is not exempt and can be cited as offensive noise under Chapter 8.30 (infraction, or misdemeanor on a repeat violation within 48 hours). Code Compliance and the Building Official may also impose stop-work or permit-condition enforcement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can contractors work on Saturdays in unincorporated Santa Cruz County?
What are the standard weekday construction hours?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Santa Cruz County
How Santa Cruz County compares: Cities with the Strictest Construction Hours·California rules heatmap·Compare Santa Cruz County to another location·View the California noise ordinances overview
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