Madera County, CA Noise Ordinances: Quiet Hours (2026)

Madera County Code Chapter 9.58 (Noise Regulations) governs the unincorporated communities of the county, such as Oakhurst, Coarsegold, North Fork, Bass Lake, Ahwahnee and Bonadelle Ranchos. The incorporated cities of Madera and Chowchilla maintain their own separate ordinances. Section 9.58.020(A) makes it unlawful for any person to make, continue or cause any 'disturbing, excessive or offensive noise which causes discomfort or annoyance to reasonable persons of normal sensitivity residing in the area.' The clearest time-based restriction is in Section 9.58.020(E)(2)(a): the use of any television, radio, musical instrument or other sound-amplification device 'is strictly prohibited between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. if the sound creates a noise disturbance that crosses residential property lines.' The County, codified through Ordinance No. 709A (December 9, 2025), evaluates alleged violations using factors listed in Section 9.58.020(D), including the time of day, duration, whether the noise is recurrent or constant, the zoning and density of the area, and the proximity to sleeping facilities. Madera County is also a designated 'right-to-farm' county, a factor weighed when agricultural activity is the noise source. Enforcement is handled as a misdemeanor and through administrative citations under Chapter 8.01.