Herald, CA Noise Ordinances: Industrial Noise (2026)

Industrial, commercial and mechanical noise affecting residences in unincorporated Sacramento County is controlled through the exterior noise standards of County Code Chapter 6.68. Rather than setting separate industrial-zone numbers in its public program, the county applies the same affected-property standard: noise reaching a residential property may not exceed 55 dBA in the day or 50 dBA at night, with measurement taken at least one foot inside the affected property line. The county's Environmental Management Department is the lead agency for exactly this category of complaint. EMD states that it investigates ongoing and aggravated noise that requires monitoring with sound level meters, or that is of a habitual or mechanical nature, such as pool pumps, mechanical equipment and HVAC systems at commercial enterprises or residential sites. This makes Chapter 6.68 the primary tool against persistent humming compressors, rooftop units, refrigeration equipment, exhaust fans and similar fixed industrial or commercial sources. Because such equipment often produces steady tonal noise, the 5 dBA reduction for simple-tone noise can apply, tightening the effective limit. The ambient-adjustment rule also matters near busy corridors, where an elevated background level can raise the allowable limit. Complaints about commercial or industrial noise during daytime hours can be reported to the county service line 311, and EMD follows up with sound-meter measurement and a written notice to the responsible owner or occupant when a violation is documented.