Redding, CA Noise Ordinances: Quiet Hours (2026)

Redding's primary noise rule sits in the zoning ordinance at RMC 18.40.100 rather than in a stand-alone noise chapter. Section 18.40.100(B) is a general nuisance standard - any loud, unnecessary, or unusual noise that disturbs the peace and quiet of any neighborhood, or that causes discomfort or annoyance to a reasonable person of normal sensitiveness, is unlawful. Noncommercial public speaking and public assembly on public space or public rights-of-way are expressly exempt, consistent with the First Amendment limits described in Reed v. Town of Gilbert. Section 18.40.100(E) and Schedule 18.40.100-A then add a numeric overlay measured at the receiving property line on an hourly Leq basis: in residential receiving zones the cap is 55 dB(A) from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. and drops to 45 dB(A) from 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. Office and commercial receiving zones run 65 dB(A) day and 55 dB(A) night. If the existing ambient is already above the table value, the allowable exposure is raised to that ambient. Emergency sirens, permitted outdoor events, City solid-waste collection, and church bells under 30 minutes per hour between 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. are exempt under 18.40.100(G)-(H).