Monterey County Code Chapter 10.60 (Noise Control) governs unincorporated areas including Big Sur, Pebble Beach, Carmel Valley, and Pajaro. Section 10.60.040 sets nighttime quiet hours from 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. with reduced exterior limits, and prohibits any sound exceeding 85 dBA at 50 feet at any time. Cal. Penal §415 (disturbing the peace) applies countywide.
Monterey County Code Ch. 10.60 (Noise Control) was overhauled by Ordinance No. 5288 (the Nighttime Noise Ordinance, REF140008) and applies in all unincorporated areas. Section 10.60.040 establishes reduced exterior noise level standards during the nighttime period (commonly 10 p.m. to 7 a.m.); during 9 p.m. to 7 a.m. amplified or loud and unreasonable sound exceeding roughly 45 dBA measured 50 feet from the source is treated as a violation, and any sound exceeding 85 dBA at 50 feet is prohibited at any hour. Construction, amplified music, parties, and barking dogs are commonly cited. Cities (Salinas, Monterey, Carmel-by-the-Sea, Seaside, Pacific Grove, Marina, Sand City, Soledad, Greenfield, King City, Gonzales, Del Rey Oaks) have their own noise rules. The Monterey County Code Compliance Noise Hotline is 831-755-5177 (staffed Fri/Sat 12 p.m.-10 p.m.); after hours and elsewhere, dial Sheriff dispatch at 831-755-3700.
Violations of Ch. 10.60 are infractions or misdemeanors prosecutable under Monterey County Code general penalty provisions and may incur administrative citations. Cal. Penal Code §415 disturbing the peace is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 90 days in jail or a $400 fine.
See how Monterey County's quiet hours rules stack up against other locations.
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