San Joaquin County, CA Noise Ordinances: Decibel Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Park sound cap
- 90 decibels, § 2-8012(c)
- Requires
- Park Administrator written consent
- Countywide rule
- § 6-3101, distance-based not dB
- Max fine
- $250 infraction, § 2-8013
Summary
Amplified sound in county parks and campgrounds needs the Park Administrator's written consent and can't exceed 90 decibels under the park noise ordinance.
(a) No person shall electronically amplify sound at any Park or Campground without the written consent of the Park Administrator or expressly authorized by a park use permit and as defined by Chapter 1, Section 2-8002 of Division 8, Title 2 of this Code.
(b) Amplified Sound must not contain indecent content that portrays sexual or violent activities in a way that is patently obscene to any profane content including "grossly offensive" language that is a public nuisance.
(c) Amplified Sound may not exceed 90 decibels (dB).
(Ord. No. 4583, 9-28-2021)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Development Title: Supplement 3 | Code of Ordinances: Supplement 80 Update 2).
Full Breakdown
San Joaquin County Code § 2-8012 bars anyone from electronically amplifying sound at a park or campground without the Park Administrator's written consent or an authorizing park use permit, and caps whatever amplified sound is allowed at 90 decibels. The rule sits in the park ordinance, not a general community noise code: a separate provision, § 6-3101, controls non-commercial sound amplification countywide by distance rather than decibels, barring audible sound beyond 150 feet in residential areas or 500 feet in rural areas, and within 500 feet of hospitals, schools, and churches in session. Violating § 2-8012 in a park is an infraction of up to $250 under § 2-8013.
Violations & Fines
Amplifying sound above 90 dB, or without Park Administrator consent, at a county park or campground is an infraction of up to $250 under § 2-8013.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the decibel limit for sound in San Joaquin County parks?
Does the county have a countywide decibel limit outside parks?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Joaquin County
California rules heatmap·Compare San Joaquin County to another location·View the California noise ordinances overview
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