Kern County, CA Noise Ordinances: Decibel Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Daytime standard (7am-10pm)
- 65 dB Ldn average (24-hour median)
- Nighttime standard (10pm-7am)
- 65 dB max, or no +5 dB increase over ambient
- Applies within
- 500 ft of residentially developed/zoned property
- Exempt district
- M-3 (heavy industrial)
Summary
Stationary noise sources at commercial and industrial sites within 500 feet of residentially developed and zoned property in unincorporated Kern County may not exceed an average 65 dB Ldn, with a tighter nighttime test between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m.
All non-mobile sources of noise produced by commercial and industrial uses, except for those located within the M-3 District, and located within five hundred (500) feet of property developed residentially and zoned for residential use (E, R-1, R-2 and R-3) shall comply with the following exterior noise standards: 1. The use shall not generate noise that exceeds an average 65 dB Ldn (24 hour median) between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. and shall not generate noise that exceeds 65 dB, or which would result in an increase of 5 dB or more from ambient sound levels, whichever is greater, between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. Noise level measurements shall be taken at the exterior of the closest residential dwelling within the boundary of the affected residential district/s with a sound level meter using the A-weighted network (scale) and, where practical, the microphone shall be positioned five (5) feet above the ground and away from reflective surfaces. Public complaints alleging violation of this standard may be required to submit documentation of actual noise level measurements. The Planning Director, in consultation with the Kern County Department of Environmental Health Services, may authorize deviations or exceptions to the standards contained in this subsection and may require noise attenuation measures in conjunction which such authorization.
Full Breakdown
Kern County Zoning Ordinance Section 19.80.030(S) (Chapter 19.80, Special Development Standards) applies to all non-mobile noise sources produced by commercial and industrial uses, except those in the M-3 (heavy industrial) District, when located within 500 feet of property that is both developed residentially and zoned E, R-1, R-2, or R-3. Daytime (7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.) noise may not exceed an average 65 dB Ldn (24-hour median). At night (10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.) the use may not exceed 65 dB or raise ambient sound levels by 5 dB or more, whichever is greater. Measurements are taken at the exterior of the closest residential dwelling using an A-weighted sound level meter positioned about five feet above the ground away from reflective surfaces. The Planning Director, in consultation with the Kern County Department of Environmental Health Services, may authorize deviations and may require noise attenuation measures.
Violations & Fines
Residents complaining of violations may be required to submit documented noise level measurements. Substantiated exceedances are handled through Kern County code compliance and can result in required noise attenuation measures or conditions on the use's zoning approvals.
Frequently Asked Questions
What noise limit applies to a business or industrial site next to homes in unincorporated Kern County?
Do these limits cover oilfield or heavy industrial operations?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Kern County
California rules heatmap·Compare Kern County to another location·View the California noise ordinances overview
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