Nevada County's exterior noise limits allow industrial districts (M1, M2) up to 80 dBA Leq and 90 dBA Lmax at any time, while Business Park (BP) districts are held to 65 dBA Leq daytime and 60 dBA Leq at night. Where an industrial zone abuts a more restrictive district, the stricter standard plus 5 dBA controls.
General Plan Noise Element Policy 9.1.2 (Table 9.1) and Nevada County Code Sec. 12.04.070 set exterior noise limits by zoning district: Industrial districts M1 and M2 may generate up to 80 dBA Leq / 90 dBA Lmax at any time, and Business Park (BP) districts are limited to 65 dBA Leq / 85 dBA Lmax from 7 AM to 7 PM and 60 dBA Leq / 70 dBA Lmax from 7 PM to 7 AM. Critically, the limits are measured at noise-sensitive land uses (residences, schools, hospitals, nursing homes, churches, libraries), and where two different zoning districts abut, the standard for the more restrictive district plus 5 dBA applies, so an industrial operation next to rural or residential land is effectively held to the neighboring district's standard plus 5 dBA. Projects with potential noise impacts must prepare a comprehensive noise study per the Noise Element Manual and incorporate design controls such as setbacks, berms, and solid fencing. The General Plan notes lumber mills and mining operations as the county's principal industrial noise concerns.
Standards are enforced through compliance inspections and complaints. Legal nonconforming uses that upgrade, enlarge, intensify, or resume after 180 days of abandonment must come into compliance, and discretionary permits can be conditioned or revoked for exceedances.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Nevada County, CA
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Nevada County, CA
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Nevada County, CA
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Nevada County, CA
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Nevada County, CA
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Nevada County, CA
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See how Nevada County's industrial noise rules stack up against other locations.
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