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.
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.
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 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.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
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See how Modesto's quiet hours rules stack up against other locations.
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