Hayward's Noise Element sets zone-based limits: 60 dBA day and 50 dBA night for residential, 65 dBA commercial, 70 dBA industrial, measured at the receiving property line.
Hayward's quantitative noise limits are set by the General Plan Noise Element and enforced through HMC Chapter 4 Article 7. Measurements are made using an ANSI Type I or Type II sound level meter at the property line of the receiving (complainant) parcel, 5 feet above ground. Residential: 60 dBA L50 from 7 AM to 10 PM, 50 dBA L50 from 10 PM to 7 AM. Commercial: 65 dBA L50 day, 55 night. Industrial: 70 dBA L50 day, 65 night. L50 is the level exceeded 50 percent of the measurement period (typically 1 hour). Short duration peaks (Lmax) may be higher but subject to plainly audible standards.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
See how other cities in Alameda County handle decibel limits.
See how Hayward's decibel limits rules stack up against other locations.
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