San Ramon, CA Noise Ordinances: Quiet Hours (2026)
Quiet hours in San Ramon, 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 window
- 10 p.m. to 8 a.m.
- Governing section
- Municipal Code § B6-96
- Audibility test
- Plainly audible at 50 feet
- First-offense fine
- Up to $100
- General nuisance standard
- Section B6-83 factors
Summary
San Ramon's Municipal Code sets a 10 p.m. to 8 a.m. curfew on yelling, shouting, whistling or singing loud enough to disturb neighbors, under section B6-96. Noise from that conduct plainly audible 50 feet from the building is treated as prima facie proof of a violation, backing the city's general nighttime noise rules.
A. No person shall yell, shout, whistle or sing in a private residence or building of public assembly between ten p.m. of one day and eight a.m. of the next day in such a manner as to disturb the peace, quiet and comfort of a reasonable person. B. Noise prohibited by subsection A of this section which is plainly audible at a distance of fifty feet of the building or structure in which the noise occurs is prima facie evidence of a violation of this section.
Full Breakdown
and 50-foot audibility test recurs through the Noise Sources article: section B6-91 applies it to stereos and other audio equipment, so San Ramon effectively runs a single nighttime noise window across multiple noise sources rather than one omnibus curfew section. Section B6-83 supplies the underlying standard used citywide: a "loud, unnecessary or unusual noise which disturbs the peace or quiet of a neighborhood" is assessed on volume, whether the noise is usual or unusual, proximity to sleeping areas, the zoning of the area, time of day, duration, and whether the source is commercial or noncommercial.
A resident or business can seek a city manager permit under section B6-84 to exempt a specific use found not detrimental to public health, safety or welfare, subject to annual renewal and city council appeal.
Violations & Fines
Violating the 10 p.m. to 8 a.m. quiet-hours standard is an infraction under section B6-121, fined per section A1-32 at up to $100 for a first offense, $200 for a second offense within a year, and $550 for each further violation in that year. Section B6-122 also lets the city pursue a chronic nighttime noise source as a public nuisance abatable by injunction.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hours are San Ramon's quiet hours?
How does San Ramon prove a nighttime noise violation?
Can I get a permit to make noise after 10 p.m. in San Ramon?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Ramon
How San Ramon compares: Cities with the Strictest Noise Ordinances·California rules heatmap·Compare San Ramon to another location·View the California noise ordinances overview
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Quiet Hours in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Contra Costa County handle quiet hours.