Fullerton, CA Noise Ordinances: Quiet Hours (2026)
Quiet hours in Fullerton, CA, also called the noise ordinance, nighttime noise rules, or residential quiet time, define the hours during which excessive noise is prohibited.
Key Facts
- Code chapter
- FMC Ch. 15.90 (Ord. 2982, 2001)
- Daytime exterior
- 55 dB(A), 7 a.m.-10 p.m.
- Nighttime exterior
- 50 dB(A), 10 p.m.-7 a.m.
- Daytime interior
- 55 dB(A)
- Nighttime interior
- 45 dB(A), 10 p.m.-7 a.m.
- Measurement standard
- ANSI S1.4-1971 Type 1 or 2 SLM
Summary
Fullerton Municipal Code Chapter 15.90 caps residential exterior noise at 55 dB(A) from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. and 50 dB(A) from 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m., with interior limits of 55/45 dB(A) for the same daytime/nighttime windows.
(A) The following noise standards, unless otherwise specifically indicated, shall apply to all property within the Residential Noise Zone: Hours (Monday - Sunday) Max dB(A) at Affected Property (Interior) Max dB(A) at Affected Property (Exterior) 7:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m. 55 dB(A) 55 dB(A) 10:00 p.m. - 7:00 a.m. 45 dB(A) 50 dB(A)
Full Breakdown
90 (Noise Standards and Regulation), originally adopted as Ord. 2982 in 2001. ), and interior limits of 55 dB(A) daytime and 45 dB(A) nighttime. 030(B) extends these residential limits to any 'sensitive use' (private/public schools, hospitals, residential care facilities for the elderly, and religious institutions) while in operation, even when the sensitive use sits outside a residential zone. 030(C) layers cumulative-time allowances: the base standard applies for more than 30 minutes per hour, with +5 dB(A) tolerated up to 30 minutes, +10 dB(A) up to 15 minutes, +15 dB(A) up to 5 minutes, and +20 dB(A) for short bursts of less than one minute per hour. 4-1971 Type 1 or Type 2 sound level meter at A-weighting, slow response.
Violations & Fines
Violations are public nuisances under FMC § 15.90.010(B) and are enforced by the Director of Development Services and authorized representatives (§ 15.90.070). Police non-emergency dispatch (714-738-6700) handles after-hours disturbances; Code Enforcement handles ongoing or recurring issues. Cited parties may appeal to the City Council within 15 days under § 15.90.080.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are quiet hours in Fullerton?
Do schools and hospitals get extra noise protection?
How is noise measured?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Fullerton
How Fullerton compares: Cities with the Strictest Noise Ordinances·California rules heatmap·Compare Fullerton to another location·View the California noise ordinances overview
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Quiet Hours in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Orange County handle quiet hours.