Placer County Code 9.36.060 Table 1 sets on-site sound limits at a sensitive receptor's property line: daytime (7 a.m.-10 p.m.) 55 dB hourly Leq / 70 dB Lmax; nighttime (10 p.m.-7 a.m.) 45 dB Leq / 65 dB Lmax. Exceeding ambient by 5 dBA is also a violation; music/speech limits drop 5 dB.
Unincorporated Placer County uses numeric decibel standards. Placer County Code Section 9.36.060(A) makes it unlawful to create sound that either (1) exceeds the ambient sound level at a sensitive receptor's property line by 5 dBA, or (2) exceeds the Table 1 standards, whichever is greater. Table 1 'Sound Level Standards (On-site)' lists, for daytime (7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.), an hourly Leq of 55 dB and a maximum level (Lmax) of 70 dB; and for nighttime (10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.), an hourly Leq of 45 dB and Lmax of 65 dB. Under 9.36.060(B) each standard is reduced by 5 dB for 'simple tone' noise (speech and music), though never below ambient + 5 dB. Measurements follow 9.36.040: A-weighting, slow response (fast for impulsive sounds), ANSI Type 1 or Type 2 meter calibrated before use, taken at the property line or within the affected property with the mic 3-5 feet above ground. Specialized limits apply to Lake Tahoe motorboats and shooting ranges under 9.36.070.
Exceeding the Table 1 limits or the ambient+5 dBA threshold is an infraction under 9.36.090, with each day a separate offense. Administrative fines under 9.36.110 escalate $100 / $200 / $500, plus a 20% late charge (9.36.170). Enforced by the Placer County Sheriff and Planning Director.
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