Calaveras County, CA Noise Ordinances: Decibel Limits (2026)

Unlike a fixed-cap ordinance, Calaveras County Code Section 9.02.030 sets a 'background-relative' decibel standard. A sound is an unlawful noise disturbance when it exceeds the background sound level by at least 10 dBA during daytime hours (7 a.m.-10 p.m.) or by at least 5 dBA during nighttime hours (10 p.m.-7 a.m.), measured at or within the real property line of the receiving property. If the sound source is a pure tone, the applicable limit is reduced by 5 dBA. When the background sound level cannot be determined, the ordinance instead applies absolute 'Maximum Permissible Sound Levels' set out in the ordinance's table. Measurements must follow Section 9.02.040 procedures: an A-weighted sound level meter meeting ANSI Type 1 standards, calibrated before use, with the microphone three to five feet above ground; no readings are taken when wind (including gusts) exceeds 15 mph. For new development, the County General Plan applies separate standards for stationary sources: a maximum hourly Leq of 55 dBA daytime and 45 dBA nighttime at the outdoor activity area of a noise-sensitive use (Table Noise-2). These standards apply only in the unincorporated county.