Orange, CA Noise Ordinances: Construction Hours (2026)

Orange's Noise Control chapter, Municipal Code Chapter 8.24, generally bars any fixed noise source from exceeding the hourly average and maximum decibel levels set in Table 8.24.040, but Section 8.24.050 exempts a list of activities from that table entirely. Subsection (E) covers 'noise sources associated with construction, repair, remodeling, or grading of any real property,' exempting them from the chapter's noise standards provided the work happens between 7:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. on any day except Sunday or a federal holiday, or between 9:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. on Sunday or a federal holiday.

The same subsection makes clear that noise generated outside of the hours specified is subject to the noise standards identified in Table 8.24.040, meaning a contractor who runs equipment before 7:00 a.m., after 8:00 p.m., or before 9:00 a.m. on a Sunday no longer benefits from the exemption and must instead keep the noise at or below 55 dB(A) hourly average (50 dB(A) at night) and 70 dB(A) maximum (65 dB(A) at night) as measured at the nearest residential property. The chapter separately exempts maintenance and construction work performed by a public agency or utility within a street right-of-way (Section 8.24.050(K)) and emergency machinery or work (Section 8.24.050(D)) from these hourly limits regardless of the time of day. Measurements are taken at the point on the affected residential property closest to the noise source, per Section 8.24.070.