Inyo County, CA Noise Ordinances: Industrial Noise (2026)

Industrial and commercial noise in unincorporated Inyo County is regulated through zoning (Title 18) rather than a freestanding noise ordinance. The County's general regulations bar uses that generate 'offensive or objectionable noise, glare, vibration, odor or electrical disturbance' that would be inconsistent with the surrounding district - a qualitative performance standard rather than a measured dBA limit. Intensive uses (such as manufacturing, mineral extraction, or energy facilities) typically require a conditional use permit, and during that review the Planning Commission considers 'the control of any possible noise, dust, odor or other undesirable operating characteristic' and can attach binding noise-mitigation conditions, hours of operation, and setbacks. Inyo County's General Plan includes a Noise Element used to assess compatibility between noise-generating uses and noise-sensitive neighbors. Once a use is approved, exceeding its permit conditions or creating a nuisance is enforceable under Title 22 code enforcement. Where applicable, statewide standards (for example vehicle and airport noise) and California Penal Code 415 also apply. Because much of Inyo County is open space and federal land, the most common industrial-noise issues involve mining, aggregate operations, and energy/utility projects, which are conditioned through the permitting process.