Irvine establishes decibel limits by noise zone under IMC Title 6, Division 8, Chapter 2. Zone 1 (residential) has the strictest standards with lower nighttime limits. Four noise zones are designated based on land use.
IMC Title 6, Division 8, Chapter 2 establishes four noise zones: Zone 1 (residential, hospitals, schools, churches), Zone 2 (professional offices, public institutions), Zone 3 (commercial excluding offices), and Zone 4 (industrial). Each zone has exterior noise standards for daytime (7 AM-10 PM) and nighttime (10 PM-7 AM) measured at the property line. Zone 1 has the lowest limits. Interior noise standards also apply. Measurements use A-weighted sound level meters. A correction factor applies for noise with tonal, impulsive, or musical character.
Noise exceeding zone standards is subject to citations. Repeat violations may result in misdemeanor charges with fines and potential jail time.
Irvine, CA
Irvine strictly limits construction to 7:00 AM-7:00 PM Monday through Friday and 9:00 AM-6:00 PM on Saturdays. No construction is permitted on Sundays or fed...
Irvine, CA
Outdoor music in Irvine is subject to IMC noise zone standards. Organized events with amplified outdoor music require city permits. Music must comply with th...
Irvine, CA
Irvine designates nighttime quiet hours from 10:00 PM to 7:00 AM under IMC Title 6, Division 8, Chapter 2 with lower decibel limits for all noise zones. Cons...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Orange County.
See how other cities in Orange County handle decibel limits.
See how Irvine's decibel limits rules stack up against other locations.
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