Alameda County Noise Element sets tiered decibel limits by zoning and time of day: 60 dBA daytime and 50 dBA nighttime in residential areas, with higher limits in commercial and industrial zones.
Unincorporated Alameda County enforces objective decibel standards established in the General Plan Noise Element and Title 6 of the county code. Residential receiving properties may not experience more than 60 dBA Leq between 7am and 10pm, or 50 dBA Leq between 10pm and 7am, measured at the property line. Single-event maximums (Lmax) typically add 15 dBA to these limits. Commercial zones allow 65 dBA day and 60 dBA night, while industrial zones allow 70 dBA at all times subject to lower limits at residential boundaries. Impulsive or tonal sounds receive a 5 dBA penalty. Measurements follow ANSI S1.4 procedures using a calibrated Type 1 or 2 meter. CEQA analysis for new projects uses the Ldn/CNEL community noise metrics rather than hourly Leq.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
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