Cupertino, CA Noise Ordinances: Decibel Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Residential nighttime limit
- 50 dBA
- Residential daytime limit
- 60 dBA
- Nonresidential nighttime limit
- 55 dBA
- Nonresidential daytime limit
- 65 dBA
- Measured at
- receiving property, not source
- Enforcing official
- Noise Control Officer
Summary
Cupertino caps noise at the receiving property line: 50 dBA at night and 60 dBA by day on residential land, and 55/65 dBA on nonresidential land. The Noise Control Officer enforces the limits under Chapter 10.48.
Individual noise sources, or the combination of a group of noise sources located on the same property, shall not produce a noise level exceeding those specified on property zoned as follows, unless specifically provided in another section of this chapter: Land Use at Point of Origin Maximum Noise Level at Complaint Site of Receiving Property Nighttime Daytime Residential 50 dBA 60 dBA Nonresidential 55 dBA 65 dBA
Full Breakdown
040 sets the city's baseline noise ceiling by measuring sound at the complaint site, the property receiving the noise, not at the source. Residential property may not receive more than 50 dBA at night or 60 dBA during the day; nonresidential property may not receive more than 55 dBA at night or 65 dBA during the day. on weekends. 050 lets brief daytime spikes exceed the standard if the sum of the excess decibels and the duration in minutes stays under 20 within any two-hour window, for example 5 dBA over the limit for 15 minutes, or 15 dBA over for 5 minutes.
055. 054, capped at 45 dBA daytime and 40 dBA nighttime measured five feet from the shared wall. 031 after notifying nearby owners and weighing hardship to the applicant against impacts on affected neighbors.
Violations & Fines
A violation of Chapter 10.48 is a misdemeanor under § 10.48.070, punishable per Chapter 1.12 by a fine up to $1,000, up to six months in jail, or both. The City Attorney may instead charge it as an infraction, which carries escalating fines of $100 for a first offense, $200 for a second within a year, and $500 for each subsequent offense. Each day a violation continues is a separate offense under § 1.12.020.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the nighttime noise limit on residential property in Cupertino?
Are short bursts of loud noise allowed above the limit?
Who enforces Cupertino's noise limits?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Cupertino
California rules heatmap·Compare Cupertino to another location·View the California noise ordinances overview
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Decibel Limits in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Santa Clara County handle decibel limits.