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Step 1 of 3San Luis Obispo, CA
Noise Ordinance Overview
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Official Decibel Limits
volume_up"Hourly Leq and Maximum Lmax apply to noise-sensitive uses as per City of San Luis Obispo 1996 data. Interior multifamily residential limits are 45 dBA (day) and 40 dBA (night). Limits are reduced by 5 dB for steady tones, repetitive noise, music, or speech."
AI Executive Summary
San Luis Obispo, CA noise ordinances, detailed in Municipal Code Chapter 9.12 "Noise Control," are a 24/7 regulation. Noise is prohibited if plainly audible 50 feet from the source between 7 AM and 10 PM, and across property lines from 10 PM to 7 AM. Specific decibel limits apply to interior residential and noise-sensitive uses.
Specific Noise Restrictions
Construction
Construction and demolition activities at residential properties are restricted to between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. daily, except Sundays and legal holidays. [cite: 19 in previous search]
Amplified Sound
Operating loudspeakers or similar devices is prohibited between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. if it creates a noise disturbance across a residential real property line or violates general exterior noise limits. [cite: 19 in previous search]
Animals
It is prohibited to keep or permit any animals that, by any sound or cry, disturb the peace and comfort of any neighborhood or interfere with the reasonable and comfortable enjoyment of life or property.
Vehicles
Refuse collection vehicles are prohibited from operating between 7:00 p.m. and 6:30 a.m. within or adjacent to residential areas. The operation of motorized recreational vehicles off public rights-of-way, and the repair/testing of vehicles, motorboats, or aircraft, cannot create noise levels that violate interior noise standards or cause a noise disturbance across a residential property line.
Noise Protection Score
How well does San Luis Obispo protect residents from noise?
50 dB day / 45 dB night
Extensive coverage
Standard fines
4 noise categories regulated
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the quiet hours in San Luis Obispo, CA?
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San Luis Obispo's quiet hours: 10:00 PM - 7:00 AM. During these hours, noise must stay below residential nighttime decibel limits at the property line. Violations can result in fines on the first offense.
What are the noise decibel limits in San Luis Obispo?
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San Luis Obispo's residential noise limits: 50 dBA Leq (7AM-10PM), 70 dBA Lmax dB(A) during the day and 45 dBA Leq (10PM-7AM), 65 dBA Lmax dB(A) at night. Commercial zones allow Not specified; general audibility rules apply. Limits are measured at the receiving property line.
How do I file a noise complaint in San Luis Obispo?
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Call the San Luis Obispo police non-emergency line at (805) 781-7312. For ongoing violations, contact code enforcement at (805) 594-8188. Have the address, noise type, and duration ready. You can request to remain anonymous.
What is the fine for a noise violation in San Luis Obispo?
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San Luis Obispo's noise violation penalties: First noise violation citation costs $350, a second is $700, and a third or subsequent is $1,000. Landlords may also be cited if their tenant incurs a second violation. If noise continues after a warning and officers are required to return within 24 hours, the resident will also be responsible for the cost of the officers' response time.. Fines typically escalate with repeat offenses and may result in misdemeanor charges for chronic violations.
What are the dog barking rules in San Luis Obispo?
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San Luis Obispo's rules: It is prohibited to keep or permit any animals that, by any sound or cry, disturb the peace and comfort of any neighborhood or interfere with the reasonable and comfortable enjoyment of life or property.. To report a barking dog, contact animal control at (805) 781-4400 or the police non-emergency line.
When can construction work start in San Luis Obispo?
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San Luis Obispo's construction noise rules: Construction and demolition activities at residential properties are restricted to between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. daily, except Sundays and legal holidays. [cite: 19 in previous search]. Violations can be reported to code enforcement, which can issue stop-work orders for unpermitted or off-hours construction.
Are there rules about loud music in San Luis Obispo?
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Yes. San Luis Obispo's ordinance: Operating loudspeakers or similar devices is prohibited between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. if it creates a noise disturbance across a residential real property line or violates general exterior noise limits. [cite: 19 in previous search]. Music exceeding residential decibel limits or plainly audible across property lines during quiet hours is a citable violation.
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