Industrial and commercial (stationary-source) noise in unincorporated Sonoma County is governed by the General Plan Noise Element's Table NE-2 performance standards, applied through zoning and use-permit review. New sources must not exceed daytime L50 of 50 dBA or nighttime L50 of 45 dBA at an adjacent noise-sensitive property line.
Industrial, manufacturing, quarry and other commercial operations are the 'non-transportation' (stationary) noise sources that Table NE-2 of the General Plan Noise Element is designed to control. Policy NE-1c states that 'the total noise level resulting from new sources shall not exceed the standards in Table NE-2 as measured at the exterior property line of any adjacent noise sensitive land use.' Those standards are a daytime (7 a.m.โ10 p.m.) median (L50) of 50 dBA and a nighttime (10 p.m.โ7 a.m.) L50 of 45 dBA, with higher allowances for shorter-duration peaks (up to L02 of 65 dBA day / 60 dBA night). The standards are reduced by 5 dBA for simple-tone noise, speech, music or recurring impulsive noises such as pile drivers, and by an additional 5 dBA where the proposed use would exceed the existing ambient level by 10 or more decibels. For discretionary projects involving a significant new noise source, the County may require an acoustical analysis prepared by a qualified consultant and reviewed by Permit Sonoma (Policy NE-1d), and may require ongoing noise monitoring (Policy NE-1m). These rules are implemented chiefly through the Chapter 26 zoning process โ zoning designations, use permits and conditions of approval โ rather than a separate citable noise ordinance. The General Plan separately notes aggregate (mining) operations are also subject to Aggregate Resources Management plan noise limits.
New or expanding industrial sources that would exceed Table NE-2 at an adjacent noise-sensitive property line can be denied, conditioned, or required to mitigate during zoning/use-permit review by Permit Sonoma. Acoustical analysis and noise monitoring may be required, and permit conditions are enforceable through code enforcement and permit action.
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