San Bernardino sets exterior limits of about 55 dBA day and 50 dBA night in residential zones, 65 dBA in commercial, and 70 to 75 dBA in industrial zones under Development Code 19.20.030(15).
The San Bernardino Development Code at 19.20.030(15) establishes maximum permitted noise levels measured at property lines, aligned with CEQA noise thresholds using Ldn and CNEL metrics. Residential exterior levels are capped at about 55 dBA during daytime and 50 dBA at night, with an interior limit of 45 dBA Ldn typical for habitable rooms. Commercial zones generally cap at 65 dBA, and industrial zones at 70 to 75 dBA at the property line. Impulsive noise (a single short event such as a gunshot or jackhammer strike) is measured at a lower threshold, and ambient noise offsets can be applied when background levels already exceed the standard. The San Bernardino Police Department and Code Enforcement use calibrated Type 2 sound-level meters when documenting violations for court-ready citations. SCAQMD regional air-quality rules do not cover decibel limits but can add operational restrictions to noisy industrial sources.
Citation under SBMC 8.54 and Development Code 19.20.030(15); documented with calibrated dBA readings.
San Bernardino, CA
San Bernardino uses CVC 22651(k) to tow vehicles left on public streets more than 72 hours. Abandoned vehicles on private property can be removed under CVC 2...
San Bernardino, CA
San Bernardino does not impose a citywide overnight parking ban on passenger vehicles, but the 72-hour rule under CVC 22651(k) applies along with permit dist...
San Bernardino, CA
California Civil Code 841, the Good Neighbor Fence Act, presumes adjoining owners share equally in the cost of a boundary fence and requires 30 days' written...
San Bernardino, CA
San Bernardino allows wood, vinyl, masonry, wrought iron, and chain link in most zones. Barbed wire, electrified fencing, and low-quality materials are restr...
San Bernardino, CA
San Bernardino fences must meet Development Code 19.20.030 for height, setback, and sight visibility, and use materials approved under the building code. Bar...
San Bernardino, CA
San Bernardino allows chickens in certain residential zones under Development Code Title 19 with setback and sanitation rules. Roosters are generally restric...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in San Bernardino County.
See how other cities in San Bernardino County handle decibel limits.
See how San Bernardino's decibel limits rules stack up against other locations.
Quick Compare
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.