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Step 1 of 3Santa Rosa, CA
Noise Ordinance Overview
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Official Decibel Limits
volume_up"Any noise level exceeding the ambient base level at the property line of any property by more than five decibels shall be deemed prima facie evidence of a violation. Amplified sound is limited to 15 decibels above the ambient base noise level."
AI Executive Summary
Santa Rosa, CA noise ordinances, primarily Chapter 17-16 of the City Code, prohibit loud, unnecessary, or unusual noise that disturbs neighboring properties. This includes regulating amplified sound, machinery, equipment, vehicles, and leaf blowers. Generally, noise exceeding the ambient level by more than 5 decibels at the property line is considered a violation. Quiet hours for short-term rentals are 9 PM to 8 AM.
Specific Noise Restrictions
Construction
General construction is subject to the 5 dB above ambient noise limit for machinery and equipment. Vehicle repair in residential areas is unlawful between 8 PM and 8 AM if it disturbs a reasonable person.
Amplified Sound
Commercial and non-commercial amplified sound permitted between 9 AM and 6 PM daily, except Sundays and legal holidays (non-commercial permitted 10 AM to 6 PM on Sundays/holidays; no commercial amplified sound on Sundays/holidays). Sound level cannot exceed 15 decibels above ambient. Not permitted within 200 feet of churches, schools, or hospitals. Outdoor amplified sound is prohibited for short-term rentals. Registration required for sound-amplifying equipment.
Animals
No person shall keep any animal that, by any sound, cry, or behavior, causes annoyance or discomfort to a reasonable person of normal sensitiveness in any residential neighborhood. Roosters are prohibited.
Vehicles
Operation of 'pandemoniac motor vehicles' (creating noise from tire friction by accelerating) is prohibited. Vehicle repairs in residential areas are restricted between 8 PM and 8 AM if disturbing.
Leaf Blowers
Operation of gas-powered leaf blowers or lawn brooms in residential districts is unlawful between 8 PM and 8 AM on weekdays, or between 8 PM and 9 AM on Saturdays and Sundays.
Machinery and Equipment
Operation of machinery, equipment, pumps, fans, air-conditioning apparatus, or similar mechanical devices cannot create noise exceeding the ambient base noise level by more than five decibels at the property line.
Radios, TV, and Similar Devices
Unlawful to operate in a residential zone in a manner that disturbs the peace, quiet, and comfort of neighboring residents or a reasonable person. Exceeding ambient by 5 dB is prima facie evidence of violation.
Noise Protection Score
How well does Santa Rosa protect residents from noise?
5 dB day / 5 dB night
Extensive coverage
Strong penalties with escalation
7 noise categories regulated
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the quiet hours in Santa Rosa, CA?
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Santa Rosa's quiet hours: Generally, 9 PM to 8 AM. Specific activities may have different hours.. 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 Santa Rosa?
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Santa Rosa's residential noise limits: 5 dB above ambient dB(A) during the day and 5 dB above ambient dB(A) at night. Commercial zones allow Not explicitly stated for all, but machinery/equipment limited to 5 dB above ambient at property line.. Limits are measured at the receiving property line.
How do I file a noise complaint in Santa Rosa?
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Call the Santa Rosa police non-emergency line at 707-528-5222. For ongoing violations, contact code enforcement at Not specified (submit complaints via online form or email: code@srcity.org). Have the address, noise type, and duration ready. You can request to remain anonymous.
What is the fine for a noise violation in Santa Rosa?
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Santa Rosa's noise violation penalties: For 'pandemoniac motor vehicles,' a first violation is an infraction with a maximum fine of $25; subsequent violations are misdemeanors. For leaf blower violations, the maximum penalty is a $100 fine.. Fines typically escalate with repeat offenses and may result in misdemeanor charges for chronic violations.
What are the dog barking rules in Santa Rosa?
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Santa Rosa's rules: No person shall keep any animal that, by any sound, cry, or behavior, causes annoyance or discomfort to a reasonable person of normal sensitiveness in any residential neighborhood. Roosters are prohibited.. To report a barking dog, contact animal control at 707-565-7100 (Sonoma County Animal Services) or the police non-emergency line.
When can construction work start in Santa Rosa?
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Santa Rosa's construction noise rules: General construction is subject to the 5 dB above ambient noise limit for machinery and equipment. Vehicle repair in residential areas is unlawful between 8 PM and 8 AM if it disturbs a reasonable person.. 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 Santa Rosa?
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Yes. Santa Rosa's ordinance: Commercial and non-commercial amplified sound permitted between 9 AM and 6 PM daily, except Sundays and legal holidays (non-commercial permitted 10 AM to 6 PM on Sundays/holidays; no commercial amplified sound on Sundays/holidays). Sound level cannot exceed 15 decibels above ambient. Not permitted within 200 feet of churches, schools, or hospitals. Outdoor amplified sound is prohibited for short-term rentals. Registration required for sound-amplifying equipment.. Music exceeding residential decibel limits or plainly audible across property lines during quiet hours is a citable violation.
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