Monterey County Code Chapter 10.60 uses two decibel frameworks. Sec. 10.60.030 caps noise-producing devices at a level measured 50 feet away at any time of day (originally 85 dBA; a 2024 amendment reduced the maximum). Sec. 10.60.040 sets nighttime exterior standards of 45 Leq dBA (hourly equivalent) and 65 dBA maximum, measured at the property line.
Chapter 10.60 of the Monterey County Code combines two decibel-based standards. Section 10.60.030 (Operation of noise-producing devices restricted) prohibits operating any machine, mechanism, device, or contrivance that produces a noise level exceeding the code's cap measured 50 feet away, at any time of day; the long-standing cap was 85 dBA, and a February 6, 2024 amendment (Legistar ORD 24-002 / Ordinance No. 5411) reduced the maximum to 70 dBA at any time of day or night. This prohibition does not apply to aircraft, nor to a device operated more than 2,500 feet from any occupied dwelling unit. Section 10.60.040 (Regulation of nighttime noise) adds Table 1 'Exterior Noise Level Standards (Nighttime Only)': a nighttime hourly-equivalent level of 45 Leq dBA and a maximum level of 65 dBA. Section 10.60.020 defines 'dBA' as decibels on the A scale. Measurement procedures in Sec. 10.60.040(D) require a sound level meter meeting ANSI Standard S1.4-1981 (Type 1 or Type 2) using the A-weighted scale, calibrated at the start and end of each enforcement shift, with readings taken at or outside the property line and the microphone positioned about five feet above the ground.
Exceeding the Sec. 10.60.030 device limit or the Sec. 10.60.040 nighttime standards is enforced by HCD code enforcement and the Sheriff. Measurements must follow the ANSI meter and property-line procedures in Sec. 10.60.040(D). Violations are misdemeanors (per the 2019 amendment), with fines up to $250 for a first offense and up to $1,000 for repeat offenses within 12 months, plus possible County Jail.
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