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

Sacramento County's noise rules for unincorporated communities such as Arden-Arcade, Carmichael, Orangevale, Fair Oaks, Antelope and Rio Linda are set out in County Code Chapter 6.68 (Noise Control), administered by the Environmental Management Department (EMD). The county's published Noise Control Program states that in residential zones, maximum noise levels measured at the affected property may not exceed 55 dBA between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m. and 50 dBA between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. The 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. window functions as the county's nighttime quiet period. Rather than banning all sound, the ordinance caps how loud a noise source may be when measured at a neighboring residence, so a steady source that is acceptable at 2 p.m. may violate the lower 50 dBA limit at midnight. EMD investigates ongoing, aggravated noise that requires sound-meter monitoring or that is habitual or mechanical in nature, such as pool pumps, mechanical equipment and HVAC systems at residential or commercial sites. Daytime commercial or industrial complaints can be reported to county service line 311, while nighttime disturbances are generally handled by the Sheriff's non-emergency dispatch. Construction, agricultural and certain maintenance activities are exempted within set daytime hours.