Oakland, CA Quiet Hours & Noise Laws [2026]
When are quiet hours in Oakland, CA?
| Regulation | Details for Oakland, CA |
|---|---|
| Quiet Hours | 9PM-7AM |
| Weekends | Typically same as weekdays |
| Enforcement | Police Non-Emergency: 510-777-3333 |
9:00 PM - 7:00 AM
Strict noise limits typically apply during these times.
Oakland, CA Noise Rules
What is the noise ordinance in Oakland, CA?
Oakland, CA noise ordinances, primarily Municipal Code Chapter 8.18 (Nuisances), prohibit excessive or annoying noises, specifically those disturbing peace between 9 p.m. and 7 a.m. This includes sounds from human, animal, or mechanical means that disrupt comfort or health. Construction in residential areas has specific permitted hours and decibel limits.
Decibel Limit Comparison
| Zone Type | Day | Night |
|---|---|---|
| Residential | Not specified for general noise; 70 dB for five minutes max in one hour for construction in residential areas (7 AM - 9 PM) | Not specified |
| Commercial | Not specified | Not specified |
Note: General noise is defined by its disturbing nature rather than specific decibel levels, but construction in residential areas has a 70 dB limit during permitted hours.
Specific Restrictions
- Construction:
Erection, excavation, demolition, alteration, or repair of any building in a residential district is permitted Monday through Saturday from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. and Sundays and holidays from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. For all construction activity including grading in a residential area, a maximum sound level of 70 dB for five minutes in one hour is permitted during these hours.
- Amplified Sound:
Using any mechanical or electronic device for the intensification of any sound or noise into the public streets which produces excessive or annoying noise is prohibited.
- Animals:
The persistent maintenance or emission of any noise or sound produced by an animal between 9 p.m. and 7 a.m. that disturbs the peace or comfort, or is injurious to the health of any person, constitutes a nuisance. The keeping of any bird or animal which by causing frequent or long-continued noise shall disturb the comfort or repose of any person in the vicinity is prohibited. To report barking animals, call 510-535-4884.
- Vehicles:
The use of any vehicle or engine, stationary or moving, operated so as to create any loud or unnecessary grating, grinding, rattling or other noise is prohibited. The use of any siren or gong upon any vehicle, other than police, fire, or other emergency vehicles, is prohibited. The discharge in open air of exhaust from any engine or motor vehicle except through a working muffler or other device that prevents loud or explosive noises and annoying smoke is prohibited. Attaching any accessory or device to any vehicle which results in the creation of unnecessary noise is also prohibited.
Frequently Asked Questions about Oakland, CA Noise Rules
What are the designated quiet hours in Oakland, CA?
9:00 PM - 7:00 AM. Generally, during these hours, noise should be kept to a minimum to avoid disturbing neighbors.
How loud can I play music in Oakland, CA?
Residential areas typically have a limit of Not specified for general noise; 70 dB for five minutes max in one hour for construction in residential areas (7 AM - 9 PM) during the day and Not specified 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 Oakland, CA?
For non-emergency noise complaints, contact the Oakland, CA police non-emergency line at 510-777-3333. For ongoing issues like construction or animal noise, you can also contact Code Enforcement at 510-238-3381.