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

Glenn County controls industrial and commercial noise through the zoning noise performance standard, Section 15.56.100 (Ordinance 1183, 2006). Maximum one-hour equivalent sound-pressure levels measured beyond the property lines of the noise source are set in Table B: 65 dBA from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. and 60 dBA from 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. for industrial receiving districts, and 60 / 55 dBA for commercial. Where a dwelling, hospital, school, library, or nursing home is the receptor, even in an industrial zone, Table C limits apply (57 day / 50 night). Reflecting the county's agricultural economy, the section provides that 'a use permit shall be required for an agricultural processing facility if noise levels exceed sixty-five dBA at the property line between seven a.m. and ten p.m. and/or noise levels exceed sixty dBA between ten p.m. and seven a.m.' The section also lists exceptions: on written application, the planning director or planning commission may, as part of a use permit, conditionally authorize exceedances for infrequent noise, for noise overlapping exempt sources, or where a pre-existing use cannot conform even after applying best available control technology (BACT). Agricultural equipment operated on agriculturally zoned land is exempt from the standards. These rules govern only unincorporated Glenn County.