Fountain Valley, CA Noise Ordinances: Decibel Limits (2026)

Chapter 6.28 of the Fountain Valley Municipal Code sets one noise zone. Section 6.28.040 assigns all properties located in residential zone districts to Noise Zone 1. Under Section 6.28.050(a), the exterior standard is 55 dB(A) from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. and 50 dB(A) from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. When the alleged offensive noise consists entirely of impact noise, simple tone noise, speech, music, or any combination of them, each level is reduced by 5 dB(A), which is why amplified music and shouting are held to the tighter number.

Subsection (b) turns the standard into a sliding scale measured on any other residential property, incorporated or unincorporated. The standard itself can be exceeded for a cumulative period of no more than thirty minutes in any hour. The standard plus five dB(A) is allowed for no more than fifteen minutes, plus ten dB(A) for no more than five minutes, plus fifteen dB(A) for no more than one minute, and plus twenty dB(A) for no period at all. If the ambient noise level already exceeds one of the first four categories, the cumulative period is lengthened to reflect it.

Interior limits are stricter. Section 6.28.060 sets 55 dB(A) from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. and 45 dB(A) from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m., measured inside another dwelling unit, with the same five dB(A) reduction for music and speech. Section 6.28.100 requires interior readings at least four feet from the wall, ceiling or floor nearest the source, and allows the windows to be open. Measurements use a sound level meter defined in Section 6.28.020, reading in dB(A).

Section 6.28.080 extends the zone limits to schools, hospitals and churches while in use, but only where conspicuous signs are displayed in three separate locations within one-tenth of a mile. Section 6.28.070 lists exemptions, including public parks, school grounds and emergency work.

A noise-source owner who cannot comply immediately can apply to the health officer for a variance under Section 6.28.120. The application fee is seventy-five dollars. The county noise variance board decides, and any council member, the health officer or the applicant can appeal to the city council within fifteen days.