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Modesto, CA Noise Ordinances: Quiet Hours (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Quiet hours in Modesto, CA, also called the noise ordinance, nighttime noise rules, or residential quiet time, define the hours during which excessive noise is prohibited.

Key Facts

Nighttime Quiet Hours
10 p.m. – 7 a.m. daily
Code Section
Modesto MC § 4-9.103(d)
Standard
Loud and raucous (no numeric dB limit)
Responsible Parties
Person making noise + owner/manager (§ 4-9.105)

Summary

Modesto prohibits loud and raucous yelling, shouting, talking, whistling or singing between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. on any day, and bans any sound that disturbs a reasonable person.

Loud and raucous yelling, shouting, talking, whistling, or singing between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. on any day.

Source: MMC Title 4, Ch. 9 — Noise RegulationsView official code

Full Breakdown

Modesto Municipal Code Title 4, Chapter 9 (Noise Regulations) sets a general 'loud and raucous noise' standard rather than a numeric decibel limit. Section 4-9.102 makes it unlawful for any person to willfully or knowingly make or continue any loud and raucous noise, defined as 'any sound which, because of its volume level, duration, or character, annoys, disturbs, injures, or endangers the comfort, health, peace, or safety of a reasonable person of ordinary sensibility.' Section 4-9.103(d) specifically prohibits 'loud and raucous yelling, shouting, talking, whistling, or singing between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. on any day.' Officers weigh factors such as volume, duration, time of day, day of week, proximity to sleeping facilities, and zoning when evaluating other noise complaints.

Violations & Fines

Violations are public nuisances enforceable as Municipal Code infractions. Section 4-9.105 makes the person making the noise, and any owner, agent, manager, or supervisor who orders, directs, or allows the noise, guilty of violating the chapter, exposing each to citation and fines.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Modesto have a decibel limit for residential noise?
No. The city uses a 'loud and raucous' standard (§ 4-9.102) judged from the perspective of a reasonable person, considering volume, duration, time of day, and proximity to homes. There is no numeric dBA limit in Chapter 9 for typical residential complaints.
Can my neighbor be cited for a loud party at 11 p.m.?
Yes. Loud yelling, shouting, talking, whistling, or singing between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. is specifically prohibited under § 4-9.103(d), and loud use of radios, stereos, or speakers is prohibited at any hour under § 4-9.103(c).

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Modesto

Construction HoursSignificant RestrictionsAircraft NoiseSome RestrictionsAmplified Music & Outdoor SoundSome RestrictionsVehicle NoiseSome RestrictionsLeaf Blower RulesSignificant RestrictionsBarking DogsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Abandoned VehiclesSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Cat RulesSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Veterinary Clinic ZoningSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Pet Groomer RulesSome RestrictionsSign Regulations: Freeway-Facing SignsSignificant RestrictionsSign Regulations: Window SignsSome Restrictions

All Modesto rules

How Modesto compares: Cities with the Strictest Noise Ordinances·California rules heatmap·Compare Modesto to another location·View the California noise ordinances overview

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