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San Joaquin County · Building on your lot

Noise and construction hours in San Joaquin County

Powered yard tools may not run outdoors from 9:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. within 500 feet of a home in a Residential zone.

Key points

  • Yard tool hours: Powered yard tools may not run outdoors from 9:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. within 500 feet of a home in a Residential zone.

Each rule below links to the section of the San Joaquin County Municipal Code it was read from, with the code text one click away (checked October 2026). General information, not legal advice.

What San Joaquin County's code says

San Joaquin County code What San Joaquin County's code adds
Leaf blowers and equipment
  • Powered yard tools like leaf blowers, chainsaws and mowers may not run outdoors from 9:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m.
    Applies: Within 500 feet of a home in a Residential zone.
    § 9-404.040 · code text
    The outdoor operation of any industrial, commercial, or residential property maintenance tool or equipment powered by an internal combustion engine or electric motor, including, but not limited to, leaf blower, chainsaw, lawn mower, and hedger, is prohibited within 500 feet of a residence in a Residential zone between the hours of 9:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m.
Noise limit at homes
  • Transportation noise in outdoor areas of new homes must be 65 dB Ldn or less.
    Applies: Day-night average; the project must reduce noise to this level.
    § 9-404.040 · code text
    Residential: all Housing Types and Residential Use Types Resudenbti | 65 | 45
  • Transportation noise inside new homes must be 45 dB Ldn or less.
    Applies: Day-night average; the project must reduce noise to this level.
    § 9-404.040 · code text
    Residential: all Housing Types and Residential Use Types Resudenbti | 65 | 45
  • The hourly average limit is 55 dB.
    Applies: Stationary noise sources; outdoor activity areas; daytime, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
    § 9-404.040 · code text
    Hourly Equivalent Sound Level (Leq), dB 3 | 55 | 45
  • The hourly average limit is 45 dB.
    Applies: Stationary noise sources; outdoor activity areas; nighttime, 10 p.m. to 7 a.m.
    § 9-404.040 · code text
    Hourly Equivalent Sound Level (Leq), dB 3 | 55 | 45
  • The maximum sound level is 75 dB.
    Applies: Stationary noise sources; outdoor activity areas; daytime, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
    § 9-404.040 · code text
    Maximum Sound Level (Lmax), dB | 75 | 65
  • The maximum sound level is 65 dB.
    Applies: Stationary noise sources; outdoor activity areas; nighttime, 10 p.m. to 7 a.m.
    § 9-404.040 · code text
    Maximum Sound Level (Lmax), dB | 75 | 65
  • Train noise in bedrooms may not exceed 45 dBA.
    Applies: New homes near rail lines, normally with 4 or more train operations per day.
    § 9-404.050 · code text
    maximum railroad noise levels inside homes shall not exceed 45 dBA in bedrooms or 55 dBA in other occupied spaces.
  • Train noise in other living spaces may not exceed 55 dBA.
    Applies: New homes near rail lines, normally with 4 or more train operations per day.
    § 9-404.050 · code text
    maximum railroad noise levels inside homes shall not exceed 45 dBA in bedrooms or 55 dBA in other occupied spaces.

Who this affects

HomeownersContractorsDesigners

Frequently asked questions

What are the noise rules and construction hours in San Joaquin County?

Powered yard tools may not run outdoors from 9:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. within 500 feet of a home in a Residential zone.

General information, not legal advice.

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