Port Hueneme Decibel Limits Rules (2026): What You Need to Know

Port Hueneme Municipal Code Title 9, Chapter 4 (Noise) establishes a receiver-based noise control framework governing stationary and operational noise sources within city limits. The exterior noise limits are tied to the zoning of the receiving property: residential zones are held to 55 dBA during daytime (7:00 AM to 10:00 PM) and 45 dBA during nighttime (10:00 PM to 7:00 AM), while commercial zones permit 65 dBA daytime and 55 dBA nighttime. All measurements are conducted at the property line of the affected parcel using an A-weighted sound level meter on the slow response setting. A 5 dB correction is applied to sounds exhibiting tonal, impulsive, or repetitive character, effectively lowering the allowable threshold for sources such as pool pump hums, compressor cycling, or mechanical exhaust fans.

Port Hueneme's unique geography significantly shapes its noise environment. The city is bordered on its north and east sides by Naval Base Ventura County (NBVC), one of the largest naval installations on the West Coast. Military operations — including aircraft activity at Point Mugu, port operations at the naval construction battalion center, and periodic training exercises — generate noise that is audible in adjacent residential neighborhoods, particularly in the areas along Surfside Drive and the Hueneme Road corridor. As a federal installation, NBVC is exempt from local noise ordinance enforcement under the federal Supremacy Clause. However, the city maintains a cooperative relationship with the base through NBVC's Community Plans and Liaison Office, which accepts community noise concerns and coordinates responses for recurring issues. Residents who experience persistent noise from base operations are encouraged to contact the liaison office directly.

For civilian noise sources, enforcement is handled primarily by the Port Hueneme Police Department on a complaint-driven basis. Common noise complaints in the city involve residential HVAC equipment, amplified music at beach-adjacent properties along Surfside Drive, and commercial loading operations near the Hueneme Road commercial corridor. Formal decibel measurements for enforcement purposes may require a code enforcement officer. Chronic commercial violations may be referred to the Community Development Department for conditional use permit compliance review. The Ventura County Air Pollution Control District (VCAPCD) does not regulate community noise but may be involved where industrial equipment noise overlaps with air quality permitting at the Port of Hueneme commercial wharf area.