Quiet hours in Castro Valley, CA — also called the noise ordinance, nighttime noise rules, or residential quiet time — define the hours during which excessive noise is prohibited.
Castro Valley is unincorporated Alameda County, so noise is governed by Alameda County Code Chapter 6.60. Section 6.60.050 prohibits any radio, stereo, audio equipment, musical instrument, or device producing sound that is plainly audible at 50 feet from the source at any hour. Decibel limits in Tables 6.60.040A and 6.60.040B apply to residential and commercial zones.
Because Castro Valley has no separate city government, Alameda County's noise ordinance (Code of Ordinances Chapter 6.60) controls. Section 6.60.050 specifically prohibits operating any sound-producing device — radios, stereos, TVs, drums, musical instruments — at any time of day if the sound is plainly audible at 50 feet from the device. Daytime versus nighttime decibel limits for stationary noise sources are set in Tables 6.60.040A (general) and 6.60.040B (multi-family), with the lower limits applying during nighttime hours (typically 10 p.m. to 7 a.m.). Exceptions apply for permitted special events and places of public entertainment. The Alameda County Sheriff and Environmental Health enforce these provisions.
Violations of Chapter 6.60 may be cited as infractions or, for repeat violations, misdemeanors. Daily fines accrue under the County's general penalty schedule, and the Sheriff can order abatement of ongoing noise sources.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Alameda County.
See how other cities in Alameda County handle quiet hours.
See how Castro Valley's quiet hours rules stack up against other locations.
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