Imperial County, CA Noise Ordinances: Decibel Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- R-1 residential
- 50 dB day, 45 dB night
- Commercial
- 60 dB day, 55 dB night
- General industrial
- 75 dB anytime
- Measured at
- Property line between zones
Summary
Imperial County sets one-hour average sound level caps by zoning district and time of day, from 45 dB overnight in R-1 residential zones up to 75 dB anytime in general industrial zones, measured at the property line.
It is unlawful for any person to cause noise by any means to the extent that the applicable one-hour average sound level set out in the following table is exceeded, at any location in the county of Imperial on or beyond the boundaries of the property on which the noise is produced. Total of Applicable Limits
Land Use Zone Time of Day One Hour Average Sound Level (decibels) 1. Residential: 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. 50 All R-1 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. 45 2. Residential: 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. 55 All R-2 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. 50
3. Residential: 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
R-3, R-4 and all 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. 55 other residential 50 4. All commercial 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. 60 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. 55
5. Manufacturing, all other industrial, including agricultural and extraction industry (anytime) 70
6. General industrial (anytime) 75
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 62 - 9-25).
Full Breakdown
County Code § 90702.00 bars causing noise beyond the one-hour average sound level table for the zone where it's measured: residential zones cap at 45-55 dB depending on district and time of day, commercial zones at 55-60 dB, and manufacturing or industrial zones at 70-75 dB around the clock. Levels are measured at the property line between different land uses. Standard agricultural field operations like planting and harvesting are exempt, though other agricultural and industrial operations must meet the general industrial standard.
Violations & Fines
A first infraction draws up to a $100 fine, rising to $200 then $500 for repeats within a year; charged as a misdemeanor instead, the maximum is a $1,000 fine and six months in county jail.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the noise limit at night in a residential zone?
Does this cap apply to farm equipment?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Imperial County
California rules heatmap·Compare Imperial County to another location·View the California noise ordinances overview
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