Quiet hours in Stockton, CA — also called the noise ordinance, nighttime noise rules, or residential quiet time — define the hours during which excessive noise is prohibited.
Stockton Municipal Code Chapter 8.20 (Noise Regulations) prohibits making or causing disturbing, excessive, or offensive noises that disturb the peace of others, with the most restrictive period running from 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. Sound that is clearly audible 50 feet from its source on a public street, or that crosses a residential property line at night, is treated as a public nuisance under SMC 8.20.030.
Stockton's general noise rules are in SMC Chapter 8.20 (Noise Regulations) in Title 8 (Health and Safety). Section 8.20.030 (Public Nuisance Noise) makes it unlawful to make, continue, or cause any loud, unnecessary, or unusual noise that disturbs the peace or quiet of any neighborhood. Use of radios, stereos, loudspeakers, drums or musical instruments on public streets that is clearly audible beyond 50 feet without a special event permit is enumerated as a prohibited act. Inside the home, parties or amplified sound that is clearly audible and disturbing across a residential property line between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. is treated as a per-se nuisance. Chapter 16.60 (Noise Standards), part of the Development Code, sets numeric exterior and interior dB limits at noise-sensitive land uses (Table 3-7) and requires new development to comply with the California Building Standards Code (Title 24) interior noise standard of 45 dBA Ldn in habitable rooms. Burglar alarms are exempt unless they sound continuously for more than 20 minutes.
Public-nuisance noise is enforceable as an infraction under SMC Title 1 (General Provisions) and Chapter 8.20, with fines starting at $100 for a first offense, $200 for a second within one year, and $500 for a third within one year (Cal. Gov. Code 36900). Continuing violations may be charged as a misdemeanor. Stockton Police respond to active disturbances; Code Enforcement handles repeat violations.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in San Joaquin County.
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