Quiet hours in Chico, CA — also called the noise ordinance, nighttime noise rules, or residential quiet time — define the hours during which excessive noise is prohibited.
Chico Municipal Code Chapter 9.38 sets dB-based limits at the property line. On residential property the cap is 70 dBA daytime (7 a.m.–9 p.m.) and 60 dBA nighttime (9 p.m.–7 a.m.). A separate 'general noise' rule under §9.38.052 prohibits any unreasonable noise at any time without needing a sound-level meter.
CMC §9.38.030 (Residential Property Noise Limits) prohibits any noise measured at any point outside the property plane that exceeds 70 dBA between 7 a.m. and 9 p.m., or 60 dBA between 9 p.m. and 7 a.m. Noise is measured on the A-weighted scale using a Type 1 or Type 2 sound-level meter (CMC §9.38.020 definitions). CMC §9.38.052 (General Noise Regulations) operates independently: no person shall willfully or negligently make or allow any unreasonable noise, and enforcement of this section does NOT require a sound-level meter — officer judgment is sufficient. Violations are handled under CMC §9.38.054. The Chico noise regime is dB-based rather than purely time-of-day, so loud activity during 'daytime' can still violate the 70 dBA cap.
Citations under CMC §9.38.054 are typically issued as administrative citations or misdemeanor infractions. Repeated nuisance party noise in the south-campus CSU Chico neighborhoods is a frequent enforcement focus.
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