Bakersfield, CA Quiet Hours & Noise Laws [2026]
When are quiet hours in Bakersfield, CA?
| Regulation | Details for Bakersfield, CA |
|---|---|
| Quiet Hours | 10PM-7AM |
| Weekends | Typically same as weekdays |
| Enforcement | Police Non-Emergency: 661-327-7111 |
10:00 PM - 7:00 AM (general noise); specific hours for construction and amplified sound.
Strict noise limits typically apply during these times.
Bakersfield, CA Noise Rules
What is the noise ordinance in Bakersfield, CA?
Bakersfield, CA noise ordinances, primarily Chapter 9.22 of the Municipal Code, prohibit loud, unnecessary noise that disturbs neighborhood peace. Stricter standards apply between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. Construction and motorized landscaping activities are restricted to specific daytime hours, typically 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekdays and 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekends. The City's General Plan also sets noise standards for transportation and non-transportation sources.
Decibel Limit Comparison
| Zone Type | Day | Night |
|---|---|---|
| Residential | Not specified for all noise sources, evaluated based on nuisance factors. | Hourly noise standards are 5 dBA more restrictive from 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. For transportation sources, exterior 65 dB CNEL and interior 45 dB CNEL apply to noise-sensitive land uses. Evening (7 PM - 10 PM) noise is penalized by +5 dBA, and nighttime (10 PM - 7 AM) noise by +10 dBA in CNEL calculations. |
| Commercial | Not specified; general prohibition against disturbing peace applies. | Not specified; general prohibition against disturbing peace applies. Refrigerator trucks in commercial/manufacturing zones are permitted at all hours if they do not detrimentally impact residential properties between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. Amplified sound in commercial/industrial zones may operate until 10 p.m. with proper permits. |
Note: The City of Bakersfield's noise standards are contained within the Metropolitan Bakersfield General Plan. For non-transportation sources, hourly noise level performance is applied, with stricter standards during nighttime hours. Transportation noise at noise-sensitive land uses has an exterior standard of 65 dB CNEL and an interior standard of 45 dB CNEL.
Specific Restrictions
- Construction:
Construction activities, including motorized landscaping equipment, are prohibited before 6 a.m. and after 9 p.m. Monday through Friday. On Saturdays and Sundays, these activities are prohibited before 8 a.m. and after 9 p.m.
- Amplified Sound:
Permit is required for operating sound equipment. Operations are generally permitted between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. daily. Sound equipment operating from a fixed location on private premises in commercial or industrial zones may operate until 10 p.m. It cannot be operated within 100 yards of any hospital or school (except after school hours or non-session days). Only music and human speech are permitted.
- Animals:
Not specified for specific animal noise restrictions beyond general nuisance. Complaints about loud or nuisance animals can be directed to Animal Control.
- Vehicles:
Loud vehicles or music from vehicles can be reported to the Bakersfield Police Department. The Municipal Code includes provisions for amplified sound from vehicles, and Kern County ordinances also reference state vehicle code regarding sound. Refrigerator trucks in commercial/manufacturing zones must not detrimentally impact residential properties between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m.
Frequently Asked Questions about Bakersfield, CA Noise Rules
What are the designated quiet hours in Bakersfield, CA?
10:00 PM - 7:00 AM (general noise); specific hours for construction and amplified sound.. Generally, during these hours, noise should be kept to a minimum to avoid disturbing neighbors.
How loud can I play music in Bakersfield, CA?
Residential areas typically have a limit of Not specified for all noise sources, evaluated based on nuisance factors. during the day and Hourly noise standards are 5 dBA more restrictive from 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. For transportation sources, exterior 65 dB CNEL and interior 45 dB CNEL apply to noise-sensitive land uses. Evening (7 PM - 10 PM) noise is penalized by +5 dBA, and nighttime (10 PM - 7 AM) noise by +10 dBA in CNEL calculations. at night. Excessive vibration or bass that is plainly audible at the property line may also be a violation.
Who do I contact to report a noise violation in Bakersfield, CA?
For non-emergency noise complaints, contact the Bakersfield, CA police non-emergency line at 661-327-7111. For ongoing issues like construction or animal noise, you can also contact Code Enforcement at 661-326-3712 (24-hour complaint line).