Tuolumne County Quiet Hours Rules (2026) — What You Need to Know
Few RestrictionsKey Facts
- County Noise Ordinance
- None currently adopted
- Enforcement
- CA Penal Code 415 (Disturbing the Peace)
- Proposed Quiet Hours
- 10:00 PM – 7:00 AM (pending adoption)
- How to Report
- Tuolumne County Sheriff non-emergency
- Applicable Law
- California Penal Code Section 415
The Short Version
Tuolumne County does not currently have a county-specific noise ordinance for unincorporated areas. Noise complaints are handled through California Penal Code Section 415 (disturbing the peace), which the Sheriff's Office enforces. The Board of Supervisors explored adopting a noise ordinance in 2008, but the Planning Commission denied it. As of late 2024, the Board gave direction to develop a new ordinance modeled after Calaveras County's approach, which would prohibit amplified noise audible from 100 feet or more between 10 PM and 7 AM.
Full Breakdown
Tuolumne County is one of the rural California counties that has not yet adopted its own noise ordinance for unincorporated areas. When residents have noise complaints — loud music, barking dogs, late-night parties — the Sheriff's Office responds under California Penal Code Section 415, which covers "disturbing the peace." This is a state-level law, not a county-specific regulation.
In 2008, the county explored passing a noise ordinance, but the Planning Commission voted 2-3 to deny it. The issue resurfaced in December 2024 when the Board of Supervisors directed staff to develop a new ordinance. The proposed approach would mirror Calaveras County's noise rules: amplified noise audible by an enforcement officer from 100 feet or more from the source would be prohibited between 10 PM and 7 AM.
Until a county ordinance is formally adopted, enforcement options are limited. Deputies can issue citations under Penal Code 415, but the bar for a "disturbing the peace" charge is higher than a typical municipal noise violation. For ongoing neighbor disputes, the county's Code Compliance division at (209) 533-5633 may be able to assist with mediation.
What Happens If You Violate This?
Currently enforced under California Penal Code Section 415 (disturbing the peace), which is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 90 days in county jail and/or a fine. However, most noise complaints result in a verbal warning from a deputy rather than a citation. Once a county-specific ordinance is adopted, violations will likely be handled under Chapter 1.10 (Code Compliance) with administrative fines.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Tuolumne County have quiet hours?
How do I file a noise complaint in unincorporated Tuolumne County?
Does the City of Sonora have different noise rules?
Sources & Official References
How does Tuolumne County compare?
See how Tuolumne County's quiet hours rules stack up against other locations.