San Luis Obispo County, CA Noise Ordinances: Quiet Hours (2026)
Quiet hours in San Luis Obispo 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
- Code Section
- Co. Code 23.06.044
- Day Leq
- 50 dBA (7 a.m.-10 p.m.)
- Day max
- 70 dBA
- Night Leq
- 45 dBA (10 p.m.-7 a.m.)
- Night max
- 65 dBA
- Tonal/music penalty
- -5 dB
Summary
In unincorporated San Luis Obispo County, exterior noise at any noise-sensitive land use must not exceed 50 dBA equivalent (Leq) or 70 dBA maximum during the day (7 a.m.-10 p.m.) and 45 dBA Leq or 65 dBA maximum at night (10 p.m.-7 a.m.) under County Code Section 23.06.044.
23.06.044 Exterior noise level standards. No person shall create any noise, or allow the creation of any noise on property owned, leased, occupied or otherwise controlled by such person which causes the exterior noise level... to exceed the noise level standards: 50 dBA Leq / 70 dBA Lmax (7 a.m.-10 p.m.); 45 dBA Leq / 65 dBA Lmax (10 p.m.-7 a.m.). Standards are reduced by 5 dB for simple tone noises, noises consisting primarily of speech or music, or for recurring impulsive noises.
Full Breakdown
Chapter 23.06 of the San Luis Obispo County Code (Operational Standards) governs noise in the unincorporated county. Section 23.06.044 establishes the exterior noise level standards applicable at any noise-sensitive land use - including residences, hospitals, hotels, schools, libraries and offices. Daytime hours are defined as 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. with limits of 50 dBA Leq (equivalent sound level) and 70 dBA Lmax (maximum). Nighttime hours (10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.) drop to 45 dBA Leq and 65 dBA Lmax. The standards are reduced by 5 dB for simple tone noises and for noise consisting primarily of speech or music. The standards are increased by 10 dB where the receiving land use is outdoor sports and recreation. The chapter (Section 23.06.040 et seq.) is duplicated in Title 22 for non-coastal unincorporated areas. Noise that exceeds these limits may be abated as a public nuisance.
Violations & Fines
Violations of County Code Chapter 23.06 are processed through county code enforcement and may be charged as infractions or misdemeanors under Title 23. Sheriff's deputies may also cite under California Penal Code Section 415 (disturbing the peace) - up to 90 days in county jail and/or a $400 fine.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the noise limits at night in unincorporated San Luis Obispo County?
Do the limits drop for music or speech?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Luis Obispo County
How San Luis Obispo County compares: Cities with the Strictest Noise Ordinances·California rules heatmap·Compare San Luis Obispo County to another location·View the California noise ordinances overview
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