Quiet hours in Oakland, CA — also called the noise ordinance, nighttime noise rules, or residential quiet time — define the hours during which excessive noise is prohibited.
Oakland enforces residential quiet hours from 9 PM to 7 AM weekdays and 9 PM to 8 AM weekends. Amplified sound audible at 150 feet during quiet hours is presumed a disturbance. Residential zones limited to 60 dBA daytime and 50 dBA nighttime.
OMC §8.18 and Planning Code §17.120.050 set noise standards by zone. Residential exterior limits are 60 dBA (7 AM–9 PM) and 50 dBA (9 PM–7 AM). Commercial zones: 65/60 dBA. Industrial: 70 dBA at all hours. Measurements taken at receiving property line using A-weighted scale. Gas-powered leaf blowers are banned citywide; only electric/battery blowers permitted.
Noise complaints enforced by OPD. Violations may result in citations. Ongoing violations treated as separate offenses per day. Special event permits available to exceed limits.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Alameda County.
See how other cities in Alameda County handle quiet hours.
See how Oakland's quiet hours rules stack up against other locations.
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