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

Construction noise in unincorporated Merced County is governed by Chapter 10.60 of the County Code. Section 10.60.040 makes it unlawful to operate, or permit the operation of, any tools or equipment used in construction, drilling, earthmoving, excavating, or demolition work 'between six p.m. and seven a.m. the following day on a weekday or at any time on a weekend day or legal holiday,' where the resulting sound creates a noise disturbance across a residential real property line. In practice this allows construction on weekdays from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and prohibits it entirely on weekends and holidays near homes. The ordinance separates these construction limits from everyday yard equipment: under Section 10.60.030, domestic power tools, lawn mowers, and agricultural equipment may run from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on weekdays and 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on weekends and holidays. Emergency work and activities under permits issued before the ordinance took effect are exempt (Sec. 10.60.050). The County General Plan likewise recommends construction be limited to daytime hours in or adjacent to urban areas. Violations are enforced through the general penalty provisions of Chapter 1.28.