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

A search of the Modoc County Code (codified through Ord. No. 325-A, Jan. 2026) found no provision limiting the hours during which construction, grading or demolition may occur in the unincorporated county, and no construction-specific noise standard. The word 'noise' appears only 17 times in the entire code, mostly in zoning use-compatibility language, the Right-to-Farm chapter and boating rules. There is no separate noise chapter. Building activity is governed by Title 15 (Building Regulations), which adopts construction codes and requires permits and inspections, but those provisions address safety and structural matters, not hours of operation or construction noise. The only enforceable handle on excessive construction noise is the general public-nuisance process in Chapter 8.20 (Ord. No. 308-B, 2017): if construction noise is unreasonable and disturbs neighbors, it can be reported and, if a nuisance is established, abated through notices, administrative citations and Board of Supervisors hearings. For acute disturbances, California Penal Code Section 415 (disturbing the peace) may apply. Given the rural, sparsely populated character of unincorporated Modoc County, the county has not adopted urban-style construction-hour curfews. Contractors should still confirm permit requirements with the Modoc County Building and Safety Department.