Imperial County, CA Noise Ordinances: Quiet Hours (2026)
Quiet hours in Imperial 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
- Curfew hours
- 10 p.m. to 7 a.m.
- Standard
- Audible at 50 feet
- Effect
- Prima facie code violation
- Penalty
- Up to $500 fine, or misdemeanor
Summary
Imperial County treats any radio, speaker, or amplified device audible from 50 feet away between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. as automatic evidence of a noise violation, regardless of the measured decibel level.
The operation of any such device between the hours of ten p.m. and seven a.m. in such a manner as to be plainly audible at a distance of fifty (50) feet from the building, structure, or vehicle in which it is located, shall be prima facie evidence of a violation of this section.C.Animals.1.The keeping or maintenance or the permitting to be kept or maintained upon any premises owned, occupied, or controlled by any person of any animal or animals which by any frequent or long-continued noise, shall cause annoyance or discomfort to a reasonable person of normal sensitiveness in the vicinity.2.The noise from any such animal or animals that disturbs two or more residents residing in separate residences adjacent to any part of the property on which the subject animal or animals are kept or maintained, or three or more residents residing in separate residences in close proximity to the property on which the subject animal or animals are kept or maintained shall be prima facie evidence of a violation of this section. (Prior code § 90703.02)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 62 - 9-25).
Full Breakdown
Under the county's disturbing-noise ordinance, running a sound production device such as a radio, TV, phonograph, or amplifier loud enough to be plainly heard 50 feet from the building, structure, or vehicle it's in between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. is prima facie evidence of a violation, without needing a decibel meter reading. The same section separately bars amplified sound that disturbs a reasonable person's peace and quiet at any hour. Sheriff's deputies enforce the rule countywide in unincorporated areas.
Violations & Fines
A first infraction draws up to a $100 fine, rising to $200 then $500 for repeats within a year; charged as a misdemeanor instead, the maximum is a $1,000 fine and six months in county jail.
Frequently Asked Questions
What counts as a nighttime noise violation in Imperial County?
Do I need a decibel meter to report a violation?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Imperial County
How Imperial County compares: Cities with the Strictest Noise Ordinances·California rules heatmap·Compare Imperial County to another location·View the California noise ordinances overview
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