Chico, CA Noise Ordinances: Decibel Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Limit
- 70 dBA outside property plane
- Applies to
- Commercial and industrial property
- Day/night split
- None (flat limit)
- Measured
- By sound level meter
Summary
Chico caps noise from commercial and industrial property at 70 dBA measured at any point outside the property plane, a single flat limit that applies at all hours of the day.
No person shall produce, suffer or allow to be produced by human voice, machine, animal, or device, or any combination of same, on commercial or industrial property, a noise level at any point outside of the property plane that exceeds seventy (70) dBA.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Supplement contains local legislation current through: Codified Resolution No. 53-26, adopted 7-14-26 and Ordinance No. 2622, adopted 6-2-26).
Full Breakdown
Chico Municipal Code Section 9.38.040 prohibits producing or allowing a noise level exceeding 70 dBA at any point outside the property plane of commercial or industrial property, from any human voice, machine, animal, or device. Unlike the residential limit in Section 9.38.030, which drops to 60 dBA overnight, the commercial/industrial cap is a single flat number with no day-night distinction. Enforcement officers can also cite a business under the separate 'general noise regulations' standard in Section 9.38.052, which lets them prove unreasonable noise through factors like loudness, duration, and time of day without a sound meter reading.
Violations & Fines
A violation triggers a warning on first response, but officers may cite immediately after two or more prior responses to the same site or during nighttime hours; penalties run through Section 9.38.130 and Chapter 1.15 administrative fines.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the noise limit for a Chico business property?
Do I need a sound meter reading to file a noise complaint against a business?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Chico
California rules heatmap·Compare Chico to another location·View the California noise ordinances overview
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