Ceres, CA Noise Ordinances: Quiet Hours (2026)
Quiet hours in Ceres, CA, also called the noise ordinance, nighttime noise rules, or residential quiet time, define the hours during which excessive noise is prohibited.
Key Facts
- Quiet hours
- 11:00 p.m.–7:00 a.m.
- Trigger
- Audible 50 feet away
- Machinery curfew
- 8:00 p.m.–7:00 a.m.
- Penalty
- Misdemeanor (Title 19)
- Enforceable
- Anytime, not just curfew
Summary
Ceres bars radios, stereos and sound equipment plainly audible 50 feet away between 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m.; that's prima facie evidence of a noise violation under Municipal Code § 9.04.020(B).
The operation of any such set, instrument, stereo, machine or device between the hours of 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. in such a manner as to be plainly audible at a distance of 50 feet from the building, structure or vehicle in which it is located shall be prima facie evidence of a violation of this section. This section can be enforced at any time of the day.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Municipal Code: Supplement 4).
Full Breakdown
Municipal Code § 9.04.020(B) sets the city's quiet hours: operating any radio, musical instrument, stereo or other sound-amplifying device between 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. so it's plainly audible 50 feet from the source is prima facie evidence of a violation. The section can also be enforced outside those hours whenever a device disturbs neighbors' peace and quiet at unreasonable volume. A separate machinery curfew in § 9.04.020(G) runs 8:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m., and construction/demolition work is limited to 7:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m. under § 9.04.020(E). Violations of the noise chapter are misdemeanors under § 9.04.040.
Violations & Fines
A misdemeanor under § 9.04.040, punishable per Title 19's penalty and citation provisions; officers can also cite excessive noise outside the 11 p.m.–7 a.m. window if it disturbs neighbors.
Frequently Asked Questions
What counts as a quiet-hours violation in Ceres?
Can I be cited for noise outside the 11 p.m.–7 a.m. curfew?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Ceres
How Ceres compares: Cities with the Strictest Noise Ordinances·California rules heatmap·Compare Ceres to another location·View the California noise ordinances overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.