Quiet hours in San Luis Obispo County, CA — also called the noise ordinance, nighttime noise rules, or residential quiet time — define the hours during which excessive noise is prohibited.
Unincorporated San Luis Obispo County restricts construction and maintenance noise to 7 AM-9 PM weekdays and 8 AM-5 PM weekends. Exterior noise standards limit daytime sound to 50 dB hourly (70 dB max) and nighttime sound to 45 dB hourly (65 dB max) at residential receiving properties.
The SLO County noise ordinance applies countywide in unincorporated areas. Construction, demolition, and maintenance activities are prohibited before 7 AM or after 9 PM on weekdays, and before 8 AM or after 5 PM on weekends and holidays. Residential property maintenance such as power tools and yard equipment is limited to 7 AM to 9 PM. Waste collection cannot occur before 7 AM or after 7 PM. Exterior noise at residential receiving properties is limited to a 50 dB hourly average (70 dB maximum) from 7 AM to 10 PM, and 45 dB hourly average (65 dB maximum) from 10 PM to 7 AM. Standards drop by 5 dB for tonal noises, speech, music, or repeated impulsive sounds. The Noise Element of the General Plan governs noise compatibility for new development. Cities such as San Luis Obispo, Pismo Beach, Paso Robles, and Atascadero have their own separate noise ordinances.
Noise violations are infractions or misdemeanors under the County Code. Code Enforcement may issue administrative citations with escalating fines. Persistent violations can trigger nuisance abatement proceedings.
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See how San Luis Obispo County's quiet hours rules stack up against other locations.
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