San Bernardino County, CA Noise Ordinances: Decibel Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Industrial daytime limit
- 70 dB(A) Leq
- Industrial nighttime limit
- 70 dB(A) Leq
- Measured at
- nearest noise-sensitive property line
- First infraction fine
- up to $100
- Governing section
- Code § 83.01.080(c)
Summary
Industrial sources in unincorporated San Bernardino County are capped at 70 dB(A), day and night, measured at the nearest noise-sensitive property line under Development Code § 83.01.080.
Table 83-2 Noise Standards for Stationary Noise Sources. Affected Land Uses / 7:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m. Leq / 10:00 p.m. - 7:00 a.m. Leq. Residential 55 dB(A) 45 dB(A). Professional Services 55 dB(A) 55 dB(A). Other Commercial 60 dB(A) 60 dB(A). Industrial 70 dB(A) 70 dB(A).
Full Breakdown
Development Code § 83.01.080(c) sets a stationary-noise-source standard in Table 83-2: industrial land uses are held to 70 dB(A) Leq from 7 a.m.-10 p.m. and again from 10 p.m.-7 a.m., the only category with an identical day and night limit (residential drops to 45 dB(A) at night). Noise is measured at the property line of the nearest site occupied or zoned for a noise-sensitive use, with a calibrated ANSI-standard sound level meter. A violation occurs if the standard, or the standard plus 5, 10, 15, or 20 dB(A), is exceeded for more than 30, 15, 5, or 1 minutes respectively in any hour, or at all for the top tier. Construction noise between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. on non-Sundays and non-holidays is exempt.
Violations & Fines
Exceeding the Table 83-2 thresholds is a Development Code violation; § 86.09.090 makes it an infraction (fines $100-$500 per offense) unless charged as a misdemeanor ($500-$1,000 fine or up to 6 months jail).
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the industrial noise limit drop at night?
Where is industrial noise measured?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Bernardino County
California rules heatmap·Compare San Bernardino County to another location·View the California noise ordinances overview
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