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

Stanislaus County uses measured decibel standards in its unincorporated areas through Section 10.46.050 of the Noise Control Ordinance (Chapter 10.46). Table A, "Exterior Noise Level Standards," sets the maximum A-weighted sound level (LMAX) measured at the receiving property for two time periods - daytime 7:00 a.m. to 9:59 p.m. and nighttime 10:00 p.m. to 6:59 a.m. The limits by designated noise zone are: Noise Sensitive 45 dB(A) day / 45 dB(A) night; Residential 50 / 45; Commercial 60 / 55; and Industrial 75 / 75. Table B adds cumulative duration allowances: the Table A limit applies for noise lasting 30+ minutes per hour, with allowances of +5 dB (15+ min/hr), +10 dB (5+ min/hr), +15 dB (1+ min/hr), and +20 dB (less than 1 min/hr). The base limits are reduced by 5 dB(A) for pure-tone noise, speech, or music (Section 10.46.050). If the measured ambient noise already exceeds the standard, the ambient level becomes the applicable standard. Measurements must be taken with an ANSI-certified Type 2 sound level meter by a trained official (Section 10.46.040). Enforcement is by the Sheriff's Department.