Tehama County, CA Noise Ordinances: Outdoor Music (2026)

Outdoor music, parties and special-event sound in unincorporated Tehama County fall under Chapter 17.77 (Noise Control), effective September 2, 2022. The ordinance lists loud music among the noise sources it covers and prohibits willful excessive, unnecessary or offensive noise that disturbs the peace and quiet of a neighborhood. The county uses a plainly-audible standard, noise heard and repeatable at or beyond 500 feet from the source, supported by complaints from three or more residences, and applies stricter limits during its nighttime periods of 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. on weekdays and 10:30 p.m. to 8 a.m. on weekends. The county's Noise Control Program specifically identifies the Tehama County Environmental Health Code Enforcement Department as responsible for investigating ongoing and aggravated noise from an unauthorized event, such as a paid promotional event, while temporary or recurring neighbor noise is handled by the Sheriff's Office. The General Plan Noise Element further directs that the County's noise standards for new uses be reduced by 5 dB for sounds consisting primarily of music or speech, which captures amplified outdoor entertainment. Venues hosting recurring outdoor music may need an acoustical analysis under the General Plan if they are near homes, schools or hospitals. Agricultural activities remain exempt.