Butte County, CA Noise Ordinances: Decibel Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- § 41A-7 (Exterior Noise Standards)
- Urban daytime limit (Leq)
- 55 dBA
- Non-Urban nighttime limit (Leq)
- 40 dBA
- Impulsive/tonal/music reduction
- Extra 5 dBA lower
- Non-urban measuring point
- 100 ft from residence
- Enforced under
- § 41-5 fines ($100-$500)
Summary
Butte County Code Section 41A-7 sets exterior noise limits by zone and time of day: an hourly average of 55 dBA in urban areas and 50 dBA in non-urban areas by day, dropping to 45 dBA urban and 40 dBA non-urban at night. Maximum peak levels run higher, from 70 dBA urban daytime down to 50 dBA non-urban nighttime.
(a)The following noise standards, unless otherwise specifically indicated in this chapter, shall apply to all noise sensitive exterior areas within Butte County. Daytime (7 a.m. to 7 p.m.) Evening (7 p.m. to 10 p.m.) Nighttime (10 p.m. to 7 a.m.) Noise Level Descriptor Urban Non-Urban Urban Non-Urban Urban Non-Urban Hourly Average (Leq) 55 50 50 45 45 40 Maximum (Lmax) 70 60 60 55 55 50 (b)It is unlawful for any person at any location within the County to create any noise which causes the noise levels on an affected property, when measured in the designated exterior location, to exceed the noise standards specified above.(c)Each of the noise limits specified in subdivision (a) of this section shall be reduced by five (5) dBA for recurring impulsive noise, simple or pure tone noise, or for noises consisting of speech or music.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 61).
Full Breakdown
Section 41A-7(a) applies a table of hourly-average (Leq) and maximum (Lmax) noise limits to every noise-sensitive exterior area in the unincorporated county, split between 'Urban' and 'Non-Urban' General Plan designations and three time periods: daytime from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., evening from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., and nighttime from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. The hourly average limit is 55 dBA (Urban) and 50 dBA (Non-Urban) by day, 50 dBA (Urban) and 45 dBA (Non-Urban) in the evening, and 45 dBA (Urban) and 40 dBA (Non-Urban) at night; the maximum limit is 70 dBA (Urban) and 60 dBA (Non-Urban) by day, 60 dBA (Urban) and 55 dBA (Non-Urban) in the evening, and 55 dBA (Urban) and 50 dBA (Non-Urban) at night. Section 41A-4 defines Non-Urban designations as the Agriculture, Timber Mountain, Resource Conservation, Foothill Residential and Rural Residential General Plan designations, with every other designation treated as Urban.
Section 41A-7(c) tightens every one of those limits by an additional 5 dBA for recurring impulsive noise, simple or pure tone noise such as a whistle or hum, or noise consisting of speech or music. Subsection (d) also lets the county impose limits up to 5 dBA below the table where an existing low ambient noise level is documented near a project site. Subsection (e) fixes where the measurement is taken: at the property line of the receiving property in urban areas, and at 100 feet from the residence, or the property line if closer, in non-urban areas. Section 41A-6 requires the measurement to use a calibrated Type 2 sound level meter positioned one foot inside the affected property line, five feet above ground and at least four feet from any reflecting wall.
Violations & Fines
Exceeding these noise limits violates Chapter 41A and is enforced under the same countywide penalty scale as other code violations, Section 41-5: an infraction fine of up to $100 for a first conviction, up to $200 for a second conviction of Chapter 41A within twelve months, and up to $500 for a third or later conviction in that period, with misdemeanor charges possible after three convictions in a year. Code enforcement measures the noise with a calibrated sound level meter to confirm the violation before issuing a citation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the nighttime noise limit in unincorporated Butte County?
Are music and voice held to a stricter noise limit in Butte County?
Where does Butte County measure noise on a rural property?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Butte County
California rules heatmap·Compare Butte County to another location·View the California noise ordinances overview
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