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Merced County, CA Noise Ordinances: Quiet Hours (2026)

Some Restrictions

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

Quiet hours in Merced 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

Nighttime hours: 10 p.m. to 7 a.m.
Nighttime margin: 5 dBA above background
Daytime margin: 10 dBA above background
Absolute nighttime ceiling: 65 dBA Ldn residential
Enforcing officer: Sheriff as noise control officer
First offense penalty: Infraction, up to $100

Summary

Unincorporated Merced County bars noise that exceeds the background sound level by 5 dBA between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m., stricter than the 10 dBA daytime allowance. The Sheriff, acting as noise control officer, enforces the limit under Chapter 10.60, with fines starting at $100 for a first infraction.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Merced County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

No person shall cause, suffer, allow, or permit the operation of any sound source on private property in such a manner as to create a sound level that results in any of the following, when measured at or within the real property line of the receiving property: 1. Exceeds the background sound level by at least 10 dBA during daytime hours (seven a.m. to ten p.m.) and by at least five dBA during nighttime hours (ten p.m. to seven a.m.). The background sound level for purposes of this section shall be determined as set forth in Section 10.60.060; or 2. Exceeds 65 dBA Ldn on residential real property or 70 dBA Ldn on nonresidential real property; or 3. Exceeds 75 dBA Lmax on residential real property or 80 dBA Lmax on nonresidential real property.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4930839; v8 updated 2026-06-02).

Full Breakdown

Merced County Code Chapter 10.60 sets a real property line noise standard rather than a blanket curfew. Under Section 10.60.030(A)(1), a sound source may not exceed the background sound level by more than 10 dBA between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m., but that margin tightens to just 5 dBA between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m., measured at or within the receiving property's line. Section 10.60.030(A)(2)-(3) layers on absolute ceilings of 65 dBA Ldn (70 dBA on nonresidential land) and 75 dBA Lmax (80 dBA nonresidential), which apply around the clock.

Separately, Section 10.60.040(B)(2) bars operating a loudspeaker or public address system between 10 p.m. and 8 a.m. if it creates a noise disturbance across a residential property line, and Section 10.60.040(B)(4) restricts loading, unloading, or trash compacting between 9 p.m. and 7 a.m. on weekdays (9 p.m. to 9 a.m. on weekends/holidays) without a permit. Exemptions in Section 10.60.050 cover emergency signaling, burglar alarms that shut off within five minutes, church bells, and permitted agricultural operations. The Sheriff serves as the county's noise control officer under Section 10.60.070(A) unless the Board designates a different official, and can issue stop orders or seek Superior Court abatement orders under Section 10.60.070(E)-(F) when a violation is not corrected after notice.

Violations & Fines

A first violation of the nighttime noise limits is an infraction under Merced County Code Section 1.28.030: up to $100 for the first offense, $200 for a second within a year, and $500 for each additional violation. A second violation within a year of the first may instead be charged as a misdemeanor under Section 1.28.020, punishable by up to $1,000 and/or six months in County Jail. Each day a violation continues is a separate offense under Section 1.28.040.

Frequently Asked Questions

What time do quiet hours start in unincorporated Merced County?

Nighttime hours run from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. under Section 10.60.030(A)(1). During that window a sound source cannot exceed the background sound level by more than 5 dBA at the receiving property's line, versus a 10 dBA daytime allowance from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Who investigates a noise complaint in the county?

The Sheriff acts as the noise control officer under Section 10.60.070(A) unless the Board of Supervisors designates someone else. The officer can issue stop orders and, if a violation is not corrected after notice, ask county counsel to seek a Superior Court abatement order.

Are loudspeakers treated differently at night?

Yes. Section 10.60.040(B)(2) separately bars operating a loudspeaker or PA system between 10 p.m. and 8 a.m. if it creates a noise disturbance across a residential property line, on top of the general decibel limits in Section 10.60.030.

What is the fine for a repeat nighttime noise violation?

A first violation is an infraction with fines up to $100, rising to $200 and then $500 for repeats within a year under Section 1.28.030. A second violation within a year can instead be charged as a misdemeanor carrying up to $1,000 and six months in jail under Section 1.28.020.

Sources & Official References

[1]Merced County Code, Chapter 10.60 (Noise Control)

Other rules in Merced County

Construction HoursSome Restrictions Fence Regulations: Height LimitsSome Restrictions Parking Rules: RV & Boat ParkingSome Restrictions Barking DogsLight Restrictions Vehicle NoiseSome Restrictions Decibel LimitsSome Restrictions Amplified Music & Outdoor SoundSome Restrictions Parking Rules: Loading ZonesSome Restrictions Parking Rules: EV ChargingSome Restrictions Parking Rules: Driveway RulesSome Restrictions Fence Regulations: Material RestrictionsSignificant Restrictions

All Merced County rules

California rules heatmap·Compare Merced County to another location·View the California noise ordinances overview

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