Orange County, CA Noise Ordinances: Decibel Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Daytime limit
- 55 dB(A), 7 a.m.–10 p.m.
- Nighttime limit
- 50 dB(A), 10 p.m.–7 a.m.
- Applies to
- Any noise source, incl. industrial
- Scope
- Unincorporated Orange County only
- Penalty
- Misdemeanor, separate offense per day
Summary
In unincorporated Orange County, noise from any source, including commercial and industrial operations, that hits 55 dB(A) at a neighboring residential property from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., or 50 dB(A) overnight, violates the county's exterior noise standard.
The entire territory of Orange County, including incorporated and unincorporated territory, is hereby designated as "Noise Zone 1." ... 1 55 dB(A) 7:00 a.m.—10:00 p.m. / 50 dB(A) 10:00 p.m.—7:00 a.m. ... It shall be unlawful for any person at any location within the unincorporated area of the County to create any noise ... when measured on any other residential property ... to exceed[.]
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 157).
Full Breakdown
Orange County's Noise Control Ordinance designates the whole county as "Noise Zone 1" and sets exterior limits of 55 dB(A) (7 a.m.–10 p.m.) and 50 dB(A) (10 p.m.–7 a.m.), measured at the affected residential property, regardless of whether the source is industrial, commercial, or residential: the ordinance applies to "all sources." Short exceedances are tolerated on a sliding scale: up to 5 dB(A) over for 15 minutes an hour, 10 dB(A) over for 5 minutes, 15 dB(A) over for 1 minute, or 20 dB(A) over for any duration. It governs only the unincorporated area; Anaheim, Santa Ana, Irvine, and the county's other 34 cities enforce their own separate noise codes.
Violations & Fines
A violation is a misdemeanor under § 4-6-15; each day the noise continues is a separate offense. The Sheriff, County Health Officer, and Building Official enforce the standard and may arrest without a warrant per Penal Code § 836.5.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this apply to a factory in Anaheim?
How is a violation measured?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Orange County
California rules heatmap·Compare Orange County to another location·View the California noise ordinances overview
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