Humboldt County, CA Noise Ordinances: Quiet Hours (2026)
Quiet hours in Humboldt County, CA, also called the noise ordinance, nighttime noise rules, or residential quiet time, define the hours during which excessive noise is prohibited.
Key Facts
- Residential night cap (RS, R-1, R-2, NR)
- 60 dBA Lmax, 10 p.m.-6 a.m.
- Residential day cap
- 65 dBA Lmax, 6 a.m.-10 p.m.
- Commercial night cap
- 65 dBA Lmax, 10 p.m.-6 a.m.
- Measurement standard
- A-weighted, 15-sec intervals over 15 min at property line
- Enforcement
- Humboldt Code Enforcement (707) 476-2429
Summary
The Humboldt County General Plan Noise Element sets nighttime maximum noise standards of 60 dBA for single-family residential zones (RS, R-1, R-2, NR) measured 10 p.m. to 6 a.m., with 65 dBA permitted during the day (6 a.m. to 10 p.m.).
N-S7. Short-term Noise Performance Standards (Lmax). The following noise standards, unless otherwise specifically indicated, shall apply to all property within their assigned noise zones and such standards shall constitute the maximum permissible noise level within the respective zones.
SHORT-TERM NOISE STANDARDS (Lmax) Zoning Classification | Day (maximum) 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. dBA | Night (maximum) 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. dBA
MG, MC, AE, TPZ, TC, AG, FP, FR, MH | 80 | 70 CN, MB, ML, RRA, CG, CR, C-1, C-2, C-3 | 75 | 65 RM, R-3, R-4 | 65 | 60 RS, R-1, R-2, NR | 65 | 60
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: the cited page had not changed since it was quoted.
Full Breakdown
Humboldt County General Plan Standard N-S7 (Short-term Noise Performance Standards) establishes Lmax (maximum instantaneous noise level) limits applicable to all property in unincorporated areas, varying by zoning classification. Single-family residential zones (RS, R-1, R-2, NR) are capped at 65 dBA daytime and 60 dBA nighttime. Multi-family residential (RM, R-3, R-4) shares the same limits. Commercial and light-manufacturing zones (CN, MB, ML, RRA, CG, CR, C-1, C-2, C-3) allow 75 dBA day / 65 dBA night. Industrial, agricultural, timber, and floodplain zones (MG, MC, AE, TPZ, TC, AG, FP, FR, MH) permit 80 dBA day / 70 dBA night. Measurement protocol requires an A-weighted sound level meter, ambient calibration along the property line between source and receptor, and 15-second interval readings over 15 minutes. The Compliance Program (N-IM3) directs the County to investigate complaints of excessive noise; nuisance determinations consider noise level, duration, and number of events.
Violations & Fines
Noise above the applicable Lmax standard for the zone and time of day may be cited as a violation of General Plan standards and enforced through Code Enforcement as a public nuisance. California Penal Code Section 415(2) separately makes it a misdemeanor to maliciously and willfully disturb another person by loud and unreasonable noise, punishable by up to 90 days in county jail and/or a $400 fine.
Frequently Asked Questions
When are quiet hours in unincorporated Humboldt County?
Does the County have a separate noise ordinance?
How are noise complaints measured?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Humboldt County
How Humboldt County compares: Cities with the Strictest Noise Ordinances·California rules heatmap·Compare Humboldt County to another location·View the California noise ordinances overview
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