Quiet hours in Humboldt County, CA — also called the noise ordinance, nighttime noise rules, or residential quiet time — define the hours during which excessive noise is prohibited.
The Humboldt County General Plan Noise Element sets nighttime maximum noise standards of 60 dBA for single-family residential zones (RS, R-1, R-2, NR) measured 10 p.m. to 6 a.m., with 65 dBA permitted during the day (6 a.m. to 10 p.m.).
Humboldt County General Plan Standard N-S7 (Short-term Noise Performance Standards) establishes Lmax (maximum instantaneous noise level) limits applicable to all property in unincorporated areas, varying by zoning classification. Single-family residential zones (RS, R-1, R-2, NR) are capped at 65 dBA daytime and 60 dBA nighttime. Multi-family residential (RM, R-3, R-4) shares the same limits. Commercial and light-manufacturing zones (CN, MB, ML, RRA, CG, CR, C-1, C-2, C-3) allow 75 dBA day / 65 dBA night. Industrial, agricultural, timber, and floodplain zones (MG, MC, AE, TPZ, TC, AG, FP, FR, MH) permit 80 dBA day / 70 dBA night. Measurement protocol requires an A-weighted sound level meter, ambient calibration along the property line between source and receptor, and 15-second interval readings over 15 minutes. The Compliance Program (N-IM3) directs the County to investigate complaints of excessive noise; nuisance determinations consider noise level, duration, and number of events.
Noise above the applicable Lmax standard for the zone and time of day may be cited as a violation of General Plan standards and enforced through Code Enforcement as a public nuisance. California Penal Code Section 415(2) separately makes it a misdemeanor to maliciously and willfully disturb another person by loud and unreasonable noise, punishable by up to 90 days in county jail and/or a $400 fine.
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