San Bernardino, CA Noise Ordinances: Quiet Hours (2026)
Quiet hours in San Bernardino, CA, also called the noise ordinance, nighttime noise rules, or residential quiet time, define the hours during which excessive noise is prohibited.
Key Facts
- Residential hours allowed
- 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
- Non-residential hours allowed
- 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
- Heavy-truck idling limit
- 15 min/hour on public right-of-way
- Loading noise buffer
- Within 1,000 ft of a residence
- Heavy equipment curfew
- Barred 10 p.m.-8 a.m. citywide
- Governing section
- SBMC § 8.54.050
Summary
San Bernardino's Controlled Hours of Operation rule pushes eleven categories of noisy activity, from leaf blowers to power tools, out of residential zones before 8:00 a.m. or after 8:00 p.m., and out of all other zones before 7:00 a.m. Violators face infraction or misdemeanor penalties.
It shall be unlawful for any person to engage in the following activities other than between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. in residential zones and other than between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. in all other zones: (A) Operate or permit the use of powered model vehicles and planes; ... (D) Operate or permit the use of gasoline or electric powered leaf blowers, such as commonly used by gardeners and other persons for cleaning lawns, yards, driveways, gutters and other property; ... (G) Operate or permit the use of any motor vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating in excess of 10,000 pounds ... for a period longer than 15 minutes in any hour while the vehicle is stationary and on a public right-of-way or public space.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-2: Supplement contains: Local legislation current through Ord. MC-1666, passed 8-5-2026).
Full Breakdown
" The restricted list covers operating powered model vehicles and planes; loading or unloading trucks or wheeled equipment that causes impulsive or raucous noise within 1,000 feet of a residence; running domestic power tools or machinery in a garage, workshop, or structure; gas or electric leaf blowers; privately operated street or parking-lot sweepers and vacuums (unless the City Manager consents in writing to emergency work); electrically operated compressors, fans, and similar devices; heavy trucks over 10,000 pounds gross vehicle weight, or their auxiliary equipment such as refrigerated compressors, idling more than 15 minutes per hour on a public right-of-way; and vehicle or equipment repair work loud enough to be plainly audible across property lines.
citywide unless the city approves the work. 060 carve out emergency equipment, lawful business noise in a properly zoned area, school activities during regular hours, city-authorized public events, and utility or public-works maintenance. 020(N), independently bars any unreasonably loud noise judged by factors including proximity to sleeping facilities and the time of night, regardless of the fixed curfew hours.
Violations & Fines
Violating the controlled-hours schedule is a code violation under § 8.54.080, punishable as an infraction or misdemeanor per § 1.12.010: fines starting at $100 and rising to $500 for repeat infractions within a year, with a fourth violation charged as a misdemeanor carrying up to six months in jail and a $1,000 fine.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time can I use a leaf blower in San Bernardino?
Can a delivery truck idle overnight near my house?
Is construction equipment exempt from the noise curfew?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Bernardino
How San Bernardino compares: Cities with the Strictest Noise Ordinances·California rules heatmap·Compare San Bernardino to another location·View the California noise ordinances overview
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Quiet Hours in Nearby Cities
How other cities in San Bernardino County handle quiet hours.