Sacramento, CA Quiet Hours & Noise Laws [2026]
When are quiet hours in Sacramento, CA?
| Regulation | Details for Sacramento, CA |
|---|---|
| Quiet Hours | 10PM-7AM |
| Weekends | Typically same as weekdays |
| Enforcement | Police Non-Emergency: 916-808-5471 (City of Sacramento Police Department) |
10 PM to 7 AM
Strict noise limits typically apply during these times.
Who To Call (Non-Emergency)
916-808-5471 (City of Sacramento Police Department)How to file a complaint →Sacramento, CA Noise Rules
What is the noise ordinance in Sacramento, CA?
Sacramento, CA noise ordinances, primarily Chapter 8.68 of the City Code, prohibit loud, unnecessary, or unusual noises disturbing peace and quiet. Residential exterior noise limits are 55 dBA during the day (7 AM-10 PM) and 50 dBA at night (10 PM-7 AM). Specific restrictions apply to construction, amplified sound, animals, and vehicles, with violations constituting a misdemeanor.
Decibel Limit Comparison
| Zone Type | Day | Night |
|---|---|---|
| Residential | 55 dBA (7 AM - 10 PM) | 50 dBA (10 PM - 7 AM) |
| Commercial | Not specified | Not specified |
Note: Exterior noise limits for agricultural and residential properties are 55 dBA (7 AM-10 PM) and 50 dBA (10 PM-7 AM). These limits are reduced by 5 dBA for impulsive, simple tone noises, or noises consisting of speech or music. For multi-dwelling units, interior nighttime limits (10 PM-7 AM) are 45 dBA for >5 minutes/hour, 50 dBA for >1 minute/hour, and 55 dBA for any period.
Specific Restrictions
- Construction:
Noise from construction, excavation, demolition, alteration, or repair of any building is exempt between 7 AM and 6 PM, Monday through Saturday, and between 9 AM and 6 PM on Sunday. Internal combustion engines must be equipped with suitable exhaust and intake silencers.
- Amplified Sound:
Permits may be issued by the Chief of Police, containing limitations on times, duration, volume, and places. Unnecessary, loud, or unusual noises that disturb comfort, repose, health, peace, or safety are unlawful.
- Animals:
The keeping of any animal, fowl, or bird that causes frequent or long-continued noise disturbing the comfort or repose of persons in the vicinity is unlawful.
- Vehicles:
Unlawful motor noises include backfiring and motor racing not reasonably required. Sounding a horn or signaling device is only permitted as a danger warning; creating unreasonably loud or harsh sounds, or sounding for an unnecessary period, is prohibited. New waste disposal vehicles must not exceed 80 dBA at 50 feet.
Frequently Asked Questions about Sacramento, CA Noise Rules
What are the designated quiet hours in Sacramento, CA?
10 PM to 7 AM. Generally, during these hours, noise should be kept to a minimum to avoid disturbing neighbors.
How loud can I play music in Sacramento, CA?
Residential areas typically have a limit of 55 dBA (7 AM - 10 PM) during the day and 50 dBA (10 PM - 7 AM) 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 Sacramento, CA?
For non-emergency noise complaints, contact the Sacramento, CA police non-emergency line at 916-808-5471 (City of Sacramento Police Department). For ongoing issues like construction or animal noise, you can also contact Code Enforcement at 916-264-5011 (City of Sacramento Code Compliance).