Quiet hours in San Diego County, CA — also called the noise ordinance, nighttime noise rules, or residential quiet time — define the hours during which excessive noise is prohibited.
In unincorporated San Diego County, the Noise Abatement and Control ordinance (County Code Title 3, Division 6, Chapter 4) sets one-hour average sound limits that drop 5 dBA at night. In the most common single-family residential zones (RS, RR, A70, etc.) the limit is 50 dBA from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. and 45 dBA from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m.
San Diego County has no single 'quiet hours' curfew; instead Section 36.404 sets a one-hour average sound level limit that varies by zone and time, measured at the property line of the source or anywhere on the receiving property. For low-density residential zones (RS, RD, RR, RMH, A70, A72 and others) the limit is 50 dBA from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. and 45 dBA from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. (Table 36.404). Multi-family and higher-density zones (RM, RC, etc.) allow 55 dBA day / 50 dBA night, and commercial zones 60 dBA day / 55 dBA night. Section 36.414 separately prohibits any 'disturbing, excessive or offensive noise' regardless of measured level, and lists factors officers weigh - time of day, duration, proximity to sleeping areas, and zoning. A radio, TV, or instrument is a prima facie violation of Section 36.414(c)(2) if plainly audible 50 feet or more from the building or vehicle. The Sheriff enforces the nuisance-style provisions; the County noise control officer (the Director of Planning) enforces the measured sound-level limits. Routine residential property maintenance is exempt 7 a.m.-8 p.m. (10 a.m.-8 p.m. Sundays) under Section 36.417(b)(1).
A violation of Chapter 4 is enforced by the Sheriff and/or the County noise control officer. Under Section 36.418, an officer authorized to enforce the chapter may, per Penal Code Section 836.5, arrest a person without a warrant for a misdemeanor committed in the officer's presence. Section 36.419 lets the noise control officer order a person to cease violating and summarily abate a public nuisance when there is an immediate threat to health or safety. Report disturbances to the San Diego County Sheriff's non-emergency line.
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