Fontana uses the Zoning and Development Code (Table 30-469) to cap exterior sound levels by receiving land use. Typical residential limits are 65 dBA during daytime and 55 dBA at night, with industrial zones allowed higher ceilings during the day.
Instead of a standalone decibel ordinance, Fontana embeds quantitative noise standards in Zoning Code Table 30-469 and in the General Plan Noise Element. The receiving property governs which cap applies, so a warehouse next to a single-family home must meet the residential limit at the property line rather than the industrial one. Residential limits commonly used in Fontana reviews are around 65 dBA from 7 AM to 10 PM and 55 dBA from 10 PM to 7 AM, with short-term peaks allowed at modestly higher levels for a limited portion of any hour. Commercial and industrial zones can run higher daytime caps and moderate nighttime reductions. The Fontana Noise Element references the State of California Office of Planning and Research noise-compatibility matrix, so new residential construction near freeways, warehouses, or rail corridors must meet a 45 dBA CNEL interior standard through mitigation like upgraded windows and mechanical ventilation. Code Enforcement uses a calibrated sound-level meter to document persistent complaints that move beyond the plainly audible standard.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Fontana, CA
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in San Bernardino County.
See how other cities in San Bernardino County handle decibel limits.
See how Fontana's decibel limits rules stack up against other locations.
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