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

Industrial and commercial operations in unincorporated Lake County must meet the Section 41.11 Performance Standards measured at the receiving property line. Table 11.1 sets a one-hour Leq limit of 65 dBA (7 a.m.-10 p.m.) and 60 dBA (10 p.m.-7 a.m.) where the receiving property is industrial-zoned, and 60/55 dBA where it is commercial-zoned. Critically, Table 11.2 overrides these where the receptor is a dwelling, hospital, school, library, or nursing home even in a commercial or industrial zone, lowering the limit to 57 dBA day / 50 dBA night to protect sensitive uses near industrial sites. Section 41.11(c) adds median octave-band limits (Table 11.3) for tonal noise like humming and pure tones, with a 5 dB additional allowance for commercial and 10 dB for industrial receivers (Table 11.4). Section 41.3 requires uses that cannot meet the standards to obtain a use permit, and a major use permit is required where the use could significantly impact the environment, create substantial controversy, or injure public health and safety. Section 41.11(f) allows the Zoning Administrator or Planning Commission to conditionally authorize exceptions - including for a pre-existing use that cannot conform even after applying Best Available Control Technology (BACT). Measurements are taken at exterior lot lines (Section 41.2). These standards apply only in the unincorporated areas.