Madera, CA Noise Ordinances: Quiet Hours (2026)
Quiet hours in Madera, 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 Section
- Madera Code §3-11.01
- Standard
- Unnecessary noise; ordinary-sensitivity person test
- Enforcement
- Madera Police (559) 675-4220
- Typical Quiet Hours
- 10 p.m.–7 a.m. (police discretion)
Summary
City of Madera Code §3-11.01 prohibits any unnecessary noise that is physically annoying to a person of ordinary sensitivity, or which is harsh, prolonged, unnatural or unusual in its use, time and place. Madera does not set a single hard-numbered quiet-hours window in its noise chapter: enforcement is on the 'unnecessary noise' standard at any hour, with stricter expectations at night.
No person shall make, or cause or permit to be made or caused, upon any premises owned, occupied, possessed, or controlled by them or upon any public street, alley, or thoroughfare any unnecessary noise or sound which is physically annoying to persons of ordinary and normal sensitivity or which is so harsh or so prolonged unnatural or unusual in its use, time, and place as to cause physical discomfort, or which is injurious to the lives, health, peace [or safety of others].
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2024 S-50: Current through Ordinance 1010 C.S., passed 6-5-24).
Full Breakdown
Chapter 11 (Title III, Public Safety) of the Madera City Code is a plain-language nuisance standard. §3-11.01 makes it unlawful for any person to make, cause, or permit on premises they own/occupy or on any public street, alley, or thoroughfare any unnecessary noise or sound that is physically annoying to persons of ordinary and normal sensitivity, or that is so harsh, prolonged, unnatural, or unusual in its use, time, and place as to cause physical discomfort or to injure the lives, health, peace, or safety of others. Madera Police enforce on a totality-of-the-circumstances basis: repeated bass thumping, shouting, power tools, or amplified music after typical sleeping hours (generally 10 p.m.–7 a.m.) is the most common trigger.
Violations & Fines
Violations are an infraction under the City Code general penalty provisions ($100/$200/$500 escalating). Continued or willful violations may be charged as misdemeanors with up to $1,000 fine and/or six months in jail under California Government Code §36900. The Police Chief may also seek a second-response cost-recovery fee under Chapter 11.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the official quiet hours in the City of Madera?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Madera
How Madera compares: Cities with the Strictest Noise Ordinances·California rules heatmap·Compare Madera to another location·View the California noise ordinances overview
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