Riverside County, CA Noise Ordinances: Decibel Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Light Industrial day cap
- 75 dBA (7am-10pm)
- Light Industrial night cap
- 55 dBA (10pm-7am)
- Heavy Industrial cap
- 75 dBA, 24 hours
- First-violation fine
- $500 minimum
- Enforcement
- Sheriff and code enforcement
Summary
Unincorporated Riverside County caps exterior noise reaching neighboring property at 75 dBA daytime for light and heavy industrial zones, dropping to 55 dBA at night for light industrial while heavy industrial stays at 75 dBA around the clock.
No person shall create any sound, or allow the creation of any sound, on any property that causes the exterior sound level on any other occupied property to exceed the sound level standards set forth in Table 1. ... LI Light Industrial 75 55 ... HI Heavy Industrial 75 75
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 84 Update 1).
Full Breakdown
County Code Chapter 9.52 sets a countywide exterior noise ceiling measured on the receiving property, not the source property. Table 1 ties the limit to the general plan land use designation: Light Industrial (LI) is capped at 75 dBA Lmax from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. and 55 dBA from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m.; Heavy Industrial (HI) is capped at 75 dBA around the clock, day and night. Measurements are taken with a calibrated sound level meter on the affected occupied property, and exceptions for construction, single events, or continuous operations can be applied for through building and safety or planning.
Violations & Fines
First violation within 180 days: minimum mandatory $500 fine, infraction. Second: minimum $750. Third and beyond: minimum $1,000 fine or up to six months in county jail, misdemeanor. Each day counts as a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the industrial noise limit apply inside Riverside, Corona, or Temecula?
Is the noise limit measured at the industrial site or the neighboring property?
Can a heavy industrial operator run loud equipment at night?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Riverside County
California rules heatmap·Compare Riverside County to another location·View the California noise ordinances overview
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