Chino Municipal Code §9.40.040 (Exterior Noise Standards) establishes maximum permitted noise levels at the receiving (residential) property line: 65 dBA during daytime hours (7 a.m. to 10 p.m.) and 55 dBA during nighttime hours (10 p.m. to 7 a.m.). Measurement is per §9.40.020: A-weighted scale, slow response, referenced to 20 micropascals, using a sound level meter that meets ANSI specifications. Noise sources in commercial and industrial zones must comply with the residential standard when measured at the nearest residential property line. The standard is exceeded when the level is exceeded for any 30 minutes in an hour; lower thresholds (typically 5 dBA below the base) apply for shorter cumulative durations (15 min, 5 min, 1 min, instantaneous).
The §9.40.020 methodology applies to measurements taken on the property of the receiver (the complainant), not the source. The CMC follows the standard California model noise ordinance structure (used in Riverside County §9.52, Galt §8.40, Fresno County §8.40, etc.) with tiered duration-based thresholds. Adjustments apply: +5 dBA penalty for pure-tone, cyclically varying, or impulsive noise; +5 dBA grace where the ambient already exceeds the standard. CMC §9.40 exempts emergency activities, safety/warning devices, school activities, parades and events authorized by city permit, residential power equipment between 7 a.m. and 8 p.m., construction within permitted hours, agricultural operations on agriculturally zoned land, and aircraft operations (FAA preempted).
Administrative citation under CMC §9.40: $100 first violation, $200 second, $500 each subsequent within 12 months (standard Chino administrative-citation tiers). Continued violations may be referred for misdemeanor prosecution under CMC general penalty provisions (CMC §1.16.010) — up to $1,000 fine and/or six months in county jail. Civil-nuisance remedies under Civil Code §3479 remain available.
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