Orange County Construction Hours Rules (2026) — What You Need to Know
Some RestrictionsKey Facts
- Permitted Hours
- 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Permit Required
- County development permit
- Lawn Maintenance Hours
- 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Generator Testing
- 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Governing Code
- Section 15-185
The Short Version
Construction and demolition activities are exempt from the general noise ordinance when performed between 7:00 AM and 9:00 PM, provided the county has issued a development permit for the work. Outside these hours, construction noise is subject to the standard residential decibel limits. Lawn maintenance equipment is separately exempt from 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
Full Breakdown
Section 15-185 of the Orange County Code of Ordinances lists specific exemptions from the noise pollution control standards. Construction and demolition activities for which the county has issued a valid development permit are exempt from the general noise limits when performed between 7:00 AM and 9:00 PM. This exemption covers the use of heavy equipment, power tools, hammering, and similar construction operations.
Outside the 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM window, any construction noise is subject to the standard residential noise limits of 60 dBA during daytime and 55 dBA during nighttime. This effectively means that while a jackhammer at 7:30 AM is permitted under the exemption, running loud equipment at 9:30 PM could result in a citation.
Other notable exemptions under Section 15-185 include lawn maintenance activities (mowing, leaf blowing, trimming) from 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM, railway and aircraft operations conducted under federal regulations, generators used during emergencies, and intermittent testing of generators and emergency equipment between 8:00 AM and 6:00 PM. Government construction projects for city, county, or state agencies also receive separate treatment under the exemptions.
What Happens If You Violate This?
Construction noise outside the permitted 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM window is subject to the same penalties as any other noise violation: a $200 civil citation for a first offense, $400 for a second, and $500 with mandatory court appearance for a third or subsequent offense. Chronic violations may be charged as a second-degree misdemeanor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my contractor work on weekends in unincorporated Orange County?
Is there a separate decibel limit for construction during permitted hours?
Can I run my lawn mower early in the morning?
Sources & Official References
Related Ordinances in Orange County
How does Orange County compare?
See how Orange County's construction hours rules stack up against other locations.