Stockton, CA Quiet Hours & Noise Laws [2026]
When are quiet hours in Stockton, CA?
| Regulation | Details for Stockton, CA |
|---|---|
| Quiet Hours | 10PM-7AM |
| Weekends | Typically same as weekdays |
| Enforcement | Police Non-Emergency: (209) 937-8480 |
Generally 10 PM to 7 AM for many activities, with variations; 9 PM to 8 AM for power tools in residential areas, and 5 PM to 5 AM for refuse collection in residential districts.
Strict noise limits typically apply during these times.
Stockton, CA Noise Rules
What is the noise ordinance in Stockton, CA?
Stockton, CA's noise ordinance, primarily Chapter 8.20 and Chapter 16.60, prohibits any loud, unnecessary, or unusual noise that disturbs the peace of a neighborhood or causes discomfort to a reasonable person. It sets specific restrictions for construction, amplified sound, animal, and vehicle noise, alongside general nuisance provisions. Violations can result in misdemeanor penalties and fines.
Decibel Limit Comparison
| Zone Type | Day | Night |
|---|---|---|
| Residential | 55 dB Leq, 75 dB Lmax (7 AM - 10 PM) | 45 dB Leq, 65 dB Lmax (10 PM - 7 AM) |
| Commercial | 65 dB Leq, 75 dB Lmax (at property line) | 65 dB Leq, 75 dB Lmax (at property line) |
Note: Decibel limits are decreased by 5 dB for impulse noise, simple tone noise, or noise primarily consisting of speech or music. Refuse collection compacting mechanisms are limited to 85 dBA at 50 feet.
Specific Restrictions
- Construction:
Operating tools or equipment on private property for alteration, construction, demolition, drilling, or repair work is prohibited between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. in residential areas if it creates a noise disturbance across a residential property line, except for emergency work. Mechanically powered saws, drills, sanders, grinders, lawn or garden tools are unlawful in residential areas from 9:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. if causing a noise disturbance across a residential property boundary. Minor maintenance of residential property is permitted between 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m.
- Amplified Sound:
Unlawful to operate radios, phonographs, loudspeakers, or similar devices on public streets, rights-of-way, or parks to attract public attention without a special event permit. Operation of such devices on public streets/rights-of-way adjacent to public parks between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m., audible over 25 feet, is prima facie evidence of a violation. Advertising via loudspeaker/amplifier is restricted but permissible if the sound is music or human speech (not lewd/indecent), controlled to not be audible beyond 50 feet, and uses only one device.
- Animals:
It is unlawful to keep any animal that, by frequent or long-continued noise, disturbs or causes discomfort to any reasonable person of normal sensitiveness in the vicinity. Noise disturbing two or more residents in separate residences within 300 feet constitutes prima facie evidence of a violation. Legally operated kennels or catteries are exempt. 'Habitual Barking' is defined as barking, crying, or howling often in a 24-hour period for consecutive days, audible off the owner's premises. Keeping more than four dogs on the same premises is prohibited as a nuisance.
- Vehicles:
Sounding a horn or other signaling device is prohibited except as an emergency or danger warning. Vehicle burglar alarms must terminate within 20 minutes of activation to be exempt. Operating audio equipment on public streets or rights-of-way at a volume endangering safety or clearly audible at 50 feet is an infraction. Refuse collection vehicles operating compacting mechanisms exceeding 85 dBA at 50 feet, or collecting refuse in residential districts between 5:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m., are prohibited.
Frequently Asked Questions about Stockton, CA Noise Rules
What are the designated quiet hours in Stockton, CA?
Generally 10 PM to 7 AM for many activities, with variations; 9 PM to 8 AM for power tools in residential areas, and 5 PM to 5 AM for refuse collection in residential districts.. Generally, during these hours, noise should be kept to a minimum to avoid disturbing neighbors.
How loud can I play music in Stockton, CA?
Residential areas typically have a limit of 55 dB Leq, 75 dB Lmax (7 AM - 10 PM) during the day and 45 dB Leq, 65 dB Lmax (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 Stockton, CA?
For non-emergency noise complaints, contact the Stockton, CA police non-emergency line at (209) 937-8480. For ongoing issues like construction or animal noise, you can also contact Code Enforcement at (209) 937-8813.