Noise Ordinance

Article 9.36, Placer County Code

Placer County's Noise Ordinance (Article 9.36 of the County Code) continues to be successful in resolving most noise complaints after a single contact 88 percent of the time.

The Sheriff's Office takes a primary response role, while the Planning Department deals with the chronic noise concerns and administrative issues. The Sheriff's Office finds that educating residents about the Noise Ordinance and articulating a "good neighbor policy" have resulted in significant compliance. Enforcement actions have generally not been needed.

Altogether, staff responded to 928 noise incidents reported between March 2004 and February 2006. Most, though not all, incidents have been resolved with a single response. Loud music and parties generated almost one-half of the complaints (47 percent), while off-road motor vehicles created 22 percent. Other issues cited included construction, equipment, gunfire and other miscellaneous noises.

The County purchased noise meters, with most assigned to patrol cars, and trained staff in how to use them.

As a general rule, under the Noise Ordinance, any person generating noise must keep that noise below 55 decibels (db) during the day and 45 db at night. If a complaint is reported, noise measurements may be taken to assess the sound levels.

Exceptions to this rule include typical residential uses such as children at play, property maintenance sounds such as lawn mowers, safety and alarms, school activities, emergency response, construction, infrequent vehicle repair, agricultural devices, businesses, and vehicle operation on public roads and driveways. In some cases, there are other criteria, such as time of day, which must also be considered. There are no minimum setbacks, acreage or other considerations relating to off-road motor vehicle use. Decibel readings, typically taken at the property line, will be applied as the standard.

The Noise Ordinance applies only in the unincorporated areas of Placer County. A complete copy of the Noise Ordinance is available: (Chapter 9, Article 9.36 Noise).

For questions regarding the Noise Ordinance, please contact the Sheriff's Office, or the Planning Department.

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	Noise Ordinance Article 9.36, Placer County Code Placer County's Noise Ordinance (Article 9.36 of the County Code) continues to be successful in resolving most noise complaints after a single contact 88 percent of the time. The Sheriff's Office takes a primary response role, while the Planning Department deals with the chronic noise concerns and administrative issues. The Sheriff's Office finds that educating residents about the Noise Ordinance and articulating a "good neighbor policy" have resulted in significant compliance. Enforcement actions have generally not been needed. Altogether, staff responded to 928 noise incidents reported between March 2004 and February 2006. Most, though not all, incidents have been resolved with a single response. Loud music and parties generated almost one-half of the complaints (47 percent), while off-road motor vehicles created 22 percent. Other issues cited included construction, equipment, gunfire and other miscellaneous noises. The County purchased noise meters, with most assigned to patrol cars, and trained staff in how to use them. As a general rule, under the Noise Ordinance, any person generating noise must keep that noise below 55 decibels (db) during the day and 45 db at night. If a complaint is reported, noise measurements may be taken to assess the sound levels. Exceptions to this rule include typical residential uses such as children at play, property maintenance sounds such as lawn mowers, safety and alarms, school activities, emergency response, construction, infrequent vehicle repair, agricultural devices, businesses, and vehicle operation on public roads and driveways. In some cases, there are other criteria, such as time of day, which must also be considered. There are no minimum setbacks, acreage or other considerations relating to off-road motor vehicle use. Decibel readings, typically taken at the property line, will be applied as the standard. The Noise Ordinance applies only in the unincorporated areas of Placer County. A complete copy of the Noise Ordinance is available: (Chapter 9, Article 9.36 Noise). For questions regarding the Noise Ordinance, please contact the Sheriff's Office, or the Planning Department.