Sonoma Municipal Code § 9.56.040 sets dBA limits measured at the receiving property line, distinguishing constant from intermittent noise. Commercial property limits are 65 dBA intermittent / 55 dBA constant; residential limits are lower and Chapter 9.56 directs that where two limits overlap, the more restrictive one applies.
SMC § 9.56.040 establishes the city's quantitative noise standard. The code distinguishes 'constant noise' (continuous, no noticeable change — e.g., air conditioners, pool equipment) from 'intermittent noise' (repetitive, e.g., hammering, dog barking). On commercial property the cap is 65 dBA intermittent / 55 dBA constant. Residential limits are set lower in the same Table 1 schedule. The chapter also includes standard exceptions (SMC 9.56.050), exceptions allowable with a permit (SMC 9.56.060), and outright exemptions (SMC 9.56.070) such as franchised refuse collection. SMC § 9.56.030 separately prohibits 'loud or unusual noises' as a qualitative standard that does not depend on a dBA reading, allowing enforcement of disturbances that may not exceed the table but still constitute a nuisance.
Violations are enforced by the Sonoma Police Department and the city Code Enforcement Division. Citations are typically issued as infractions under SMC Title 1 general penalty provisions, with continuing daily violations chargeable separately. Repeated or severe violations may be referred for misdemeanor prosecution at the City Attorney's discretion.
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