Tulare County, CA Noise Ordinances: Decibel Limits (2026)

Unincorporated Tulare County applies decibel standards at two levels. The single enforceable numeric limit on day-to-day noise is in the Social Host Ordinance: Section 5-01-1215(b) bars sound from amplified sound devices and excessive noise sources from 'exceeding sixty-five (65) decibels, as measured at the boundary of the property on which the source of the noise or sound is located.' Beyond that, the County General Plan Noise Element establishes land-use planning standards used when development is reviewed: noise-impacted projects must be designed to reduce noise to 60 dB Ldn (or CNEL) or less within outdoor activity areas and 45 dB Ldn (or CNEL) or less within interior living spaces, with up to 65 dB exterior allowed only after best-available noise reduction technology is applied. In Foothill and Mountain Planning Areas outside Foothill Development Corridors, Policy 4.B.2 limits new noise-generating sources to an hourly Leq of 50 dB(A) during the day (7:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m.) and 40 dB(A) at night (10:00 p.m.-7:00 a.m.) at residential boundaries, with a maximum (Lmax) of 70 dB(A) day / 60 dB(A) night. These planning thresholds apply to discretionary permits, while the 65 dB rule is the everyday enforcement standard.