Milpitas, CA Noise Ordinances: Decibel Limits (2026)

Unlike many California cities that publish a full day/night decibel table by zone, Milpitas relies on a single, dual-pronged numeric standard plus a 'plainly audible' distance test. The numeric standard is in V-213-3.01 (for any person) and V-213-3.02 (for property owners/possessors): in any district zoned for residential use, it is unlawful to make or permit any Disturbing Noise that 'increases the noise exposure level by three dB over the local ambient noise level measured from the property line of the noise source, or more than 65 dB measured from the property line of the noise source, whichever is more restrictive.' The chapter defines the measurement terms it uses: 'Ambient Noise Level' is the continuous equivalent-energy level (Leq) measured for at least three minutes or until the Leq stays within a 1 dB spread, with the noise issue at silent (V-213-2.01); 'Decibel (dB)' is defined in V-213-2.03 relative to a reference pressure of 20 micro-pascals; and 'Equivalent Energy Level (Leq)' is defined in V-213-2.06. Layered on top of the numeric cap is the distance/time test of V-213-3.03 (a prima facie violation if a disturbing noise is audible 50 feet from the property line during 10 p.m.-7 a.m., or 100 feet from 7:01 a.m. to 9:59 p.m.). The 65 dB cap is the headline figure for residential Milpitas.