Chico sets explicit, meter-enforceable dBA limits by property type. Residential (CMC §9.38.030): 70 dBA day (7 a.m.–9 p.m.) / 60 dBA night (9 p.m.–7 a.m.) at the property plane, plus a 60 dBA interior limit in multifamily units. Commercial/industrial (§9.38.040): 70 dBA flat. Public property (§9.38.050): 60 dBA at 25 feet from source.
Residential property plane limits (§9.38.030(A)): 70 dBA 7 a.m.–9 p.m.; 60 dBA 9 p.m.–7 a.m. Multifamily interior limit (§9.38.030(B)): 60 dBA measured 3 feet from any wall/floor/ceiling inside a neighbor's dwelling with doors and windows closed. Commercial/industrial (§9.38.040): 70 dBA at property plane, no day/night split. Public property (§9.38.050): 60 dBA at 25 ft or more from source. Measurement protocol (§9.38.020(G)): ANSI Type 1 or Type 2 sound-level meter, A-weighted, slow response (fast for impulse). Outdoor mic ≥4 ft above ground, ≥4.5 ft from walls. Indoor mic ≥3 ft from any wall, three-position average. Citation triggers without warning (§9.38.054(B)) at 10 p.m.–7 a.m. on school nights and 12:01 a.m.–7 a.m. on Saturday/Sunday — relevant near CSU Chico south-campus neighborhoods.
Infraction. Fines under §9.38.130: $250 / $500 / $1,000 minimum for 1st/2nd/3rd offense, including Butte County Superior Court assessments. Each hour is a separate offense. Officer normally issues warning first (§9.38.054(A)); warning is binding on all current residents for 180 days. Citation without warning allowed when two distinct complaints exist or noise is during weeknight quiet hours.
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