Fresno uses a receiving-zone dBA schedule in FMC §10-105. Residential properties are capped at 60 dBA from 7 AM to 10 PM and 50 dBA from 10 PM to 7 AM. Commercial zones are capped at 65 dBA / 60 dBA, and industrial at 75 dBA around the clock. Exceedance for more than 30 minutes in any hour is a violation.
FMC §10-105 establishes numeric decibel standards measured at the property line of the receiving property. Residential: 60 dBA day, 50 dBA night. Commercial/office: 65 dBA day, 60 dBA night. Industrial: 75 dBA at all times. Short peaks are allowed up to +5 dBA but cumulative exceedance over 30 minutes in any hour is a violation. Measurements are taken with an ANSI Type 2 sound level meter on slow response, A-weighted, typically at 5 feet above ground on the receiving property. Certain sounds are exempt: emergency vehicles, utility work, school activities during authorized hours, and temporary construction during allowed hours. Fresno PD and Code Enforcement officers carry calibrated meters for enforcement. For events or construction expected to exceed limits, applicants must obtain a FMC §10-110 noise variance in advance. A decibel complaint without a meter reading can still support a plainly-audible violation under the general nuisance language.
Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact Fresno code enforcement directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.
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