San Luis Obispo County, CA Noise Ordinances: Construction Hours (2026)
Construction hours in San Luis Obispo 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
- Code Section
- Co. Code 23.06.042(d)
- Mon-Fri window
- 7:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
- Sat-Sun window
- 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
- Holidays
- Same as weekday rules (not specified separately)
- Outside hours
- Subject to 23.06.044 dBA limits
Summary
San Luis Obispo County Code Section 23.06.042(d) exempts construction noise from the exterior noise standards provided the activity occurs only between 7 a.m. and 9 p.m. on weekdays, or between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. Outside those windows, construction noise is enforceable.
23.06.042 Exceptions. The standards of Sections 23.06.044 through 23.06.050 do not apply to: ... (d) noise sources associated with construction, provided such activities do not take place before seven a.m. or after nine p.m. any day except Saturday or Sunday, or before eight a.m. or after five p.m. on Saturday or Sunday.
Full Breakdown
Section 23.06.042 (Exceptions to Noise Standards) of the San Luis Obispo County Code identifies activities not subject to the dBA limits of Section 23.06.044. Subsection (d) carves out construction noise but only within the stated hours: '[construction noise standards do not apply] provided such activities do not take place before seven a.m. or after nine p.m. any day except Saturday or Sunday, or before eight a.m. or after five p.m. on Saturday or Sunday.' Construction activity outside these hours loses the exemption and becomes enforceable under Section 23.06.044's dBA limits. The exception covers construction, building maintenance, alteration, repair and demolition. Emergency utility work and similar emergency activities are separately exempted by Section 23.06.042. The equivalent non-coastal standard is in Title 22 of the County Code.
Violations & Fines
Construction outside the permitted hours is treated as a violation of Section 23.06.044 (the noise exception is lost) and is enforced by County Code Enforcement and the Sheriff's Office. Penal Code Section 415 (disturbing the peace) also applies. Repeat or willful violations of County Code may be charged as infractions or misdemeanors under Title 23 or Title 22 enforcement provisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
When can my neighbor run construction equipment?
Are Saturdays treated the same as weekdays?
What about emergency construction or utility repairs?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Luis Obispo County
How San Luis Obispo County compares: Cities with the Strictest Construction Hours·California rules heatmap·Compare San Luis Obispo County to another location·View the California noise ordinances overview
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