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

Unincorporated Tulare County addresses industrial and stationary noise primarily as a land-use compatibility matter under the County General Plan Noise Element rather than through a numeric operational noise ordinance. General Plan Policy 4.B.1 provides that 'new development of industrial, commercial or other noise-generating land uses will not be permitted if resulting noise levels will exceed 60 dB Ldn (or CNEL) at the boundary of areas planned and zoned for residential or other noise-sensitive land uses,' unless necessary for public health, safety, and welfare. In Foothill and Mountain Planning Areas outside Foothill Development Corridors, Policy 4.B.2 limits the hourly Leq from new noise-sensitive or noise-generating sources to 50 dB(A) during the day (7:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m.) and 40 dB(A) at night (10:00 p.m.-7:00 a.m.) at residential boundaries, and sets a maximum A-weighted level (Lmax) of 70 dB(A) day / 60 dB(A) night. These standards are applied when a discretionary permit (zone change, use permit, etc.) is reviewed and are incorporated into the County zoning ordinance and CEQA analysis. The Noise Element notes a local noise control ordinance could address industrial, commercial, agricultural, and residential noise that is not preempted by state or federal law. Day-to-day industrial noise affecting neighbors can also be abated under the Public Nuisance Ordinance (Section 4-01-1070).