Calaveras County, CA Noise Ordinances: Decibel Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Residential day limit
- 60 dBA, 7am-10pm
- Residential night limit
- 50 dBA, 10pm-7am
- Commercial limit
- 70 dBA day / 60 dBA night
- Industrial limit
- 75 dBA day / 65 dBA night
- Enforcing agency
- County Sheriff as Noise Control Officer
- Repeat offense
- Infraction 1st/2nd, misdemeanor 3rd+
Summary
Calaveras County caps exterior sound levels by land use and time of day under Chapter 9.02: 60 dBA daytime and 50 dBA nighttime for residential property, 70/60 for commercial, and 75/65 for industrial, measured at the property line. Pure-tone noises face a five-decibel reduction, and no standard may ever fall below the ambient level plus five dBA.
No person shall cause, allow, or permit the operation of any sound source on property or any public space or public right-of-way in such a manner as to create a sound level that exceeds the levels listed in Table 1. ... Table 1 EXTERIOR NOISE LEVEL STANDARDS Land Use Type* Sound Level (A-Weighted) Decibels 7:00 a.m.—10:00 p.m.** 10:00 p.m.—7:00 a.m. Residential 60 50 Commercial 70 60 Industrial (Industry) 75 65 ... Each of the sound level standards specified in Table 1 shall be reduced by five dBA for pure tone noises. However, in no case shall the exterior noise level standard be lower than the ambient sound level plus five dBA.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 23 Update 2).
Full Breakdown
02, Noise Control. Because Angels Camp is the county's only incorporated city, this table is the operative noise standard for San Andreas, Murphys, Arnold, Copperopolis, Valley Springs, Mokelumne Hill and every other unincorporated community. period, and sets separate decibel ceilings for three land-use types: residential (60 dBA day, 50 dBA night), commercial (70 dBA day, 60 dBA night) and industrial (75 dBA day, 65 dBA night). N. 030 also sets a floor: the standard can never be pushed below the ambient sound level plus five dBA. E extends the residential nighttime window to midnight on Fridays and Saturdays for qualifying events. D.
Violations & Fines
A first or second conviction of any Chapter 9.02 noise violation within a two-year period is charged as an infraction under § 9.02.070.A; a third conviction within twenty-four months of a prior conviction, or a bail forfeiture on a prior violation, becomes a misdemeanor. Fines follow Government Code § 25132. The county can also recover its administrative enforcement costs, including inspection and monitoring staff time, from the property owner under § 9.02.090, following a notice-of-violation and notice-of-charges process with a right to a contested hearing before the noise control officer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the residential noise limit at night in Calaveras County?
Who enforces the county's noise limits?
Does the noise ordinance apply where I live if I'm not in Angels Camp?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Calaveras County
California rules heatmap·Compare Calaveras County to another location·View the California noise ordinances overview
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