San Leandro, CA Noise Ordinances: Decibel Limits (2026)

SLMC §4-1-1115 (Prohibited Acts) provides: 'Any noise level caused by use or operation which exceeds the ambient noise level on the premises of any other occupied property, or if a condominium, apartment house, duplex, or attached business, within any adjoining unit, by more than five (5) decibels shall be a violation.' That is the only quantitative standard in the Code. The City's own Airport Safety Zone regulations expressly acknowledge the Code 'does not contain numerical noise level limits' and is 'aimed more at prohibiting disturbing, excessive and offensive noises.' Land-use planning relies on the State General Plan Guidelines CNEL compatibility matrix (normally acceptable / conditionally acceptable / normally unacceptable / clearly unacceptable) and the 65 dB CNEL airport threshold (21 CCR §5000). The 'ambient + 5 dB' test is supplemented by §4-1-1115 prohibitions on specific acts (loudspeakers 10 p.m.–8 a.m.; construction outside 7 a.m.–7 p.m. weekdays, 8 a.m.–7 p.m. weekends; powered equipment 9 p.m.–8 a.m.). §4-1-1110 (General Prohibition) bars 'any disturbing, excessive or offensive noise which causes discomfort or annoyance to reasonable persons of normal sensitivity' as a stand-alone nuisance ground.