VERIFIED 2026

Modesto, CA
Noise Code

The official quiet hours, decibel limits, and enforcement protocols for Modesto, CA.

Ordinance Summary

Modesto, CA's Chapter 9 - NOISE REGULATIONS prohibits "loud and raucous noise" that annoys, disturbs, injures, or endangers the comfort, health, peace, or safety of a reasonable person. This includes yelling, amplified sound, and barking dogs during specific quiet hours. Construction noise has separate restrictions.

Quiet Hours

10PM-7AM (general); 9PM-7AM weekdays (construction/power tools); 9PM-9AM weekends/holidays (construction/power tools)

Police Non-Emergency

209-552-2470

Decibel Limits

Day
N/A
Night
N/A

"The Modesto General Plan references Community Noise Equivalent Level (CNEL) and Day/Night Average Sound Level (Ldn) for planning purposes, with additions of 5 dBA for evening (7PM-10PM) and 10 dBA for nighttime (10PM-7AM) noise levels for assessment, but the ordinance does not specify enforceable decibel limits for typical noise violations."

Measure Noise Levels Instantly

Use our free browser-based decibel meter to check if your neighbors are violating the Modesto, CA code.

Specific Noise Restrictions

1
Construction

Loud and raucous operation of tools or equipment (e.g., hammers, impact wrenches, internal-combustion engine powered tools) is prohibited before 7:00 a.m. or after 9:00 p.m. daily. On Saturdays, Sundays, and State or federal holidays, these activities are prohibited before 9:00 a.m. and after 9:00 p.m.

2
Amplified Sound

Loud and raucous use or operation of any radio, amplifier, phonograph, stereo, compact disc or tape player, loudspeaker, bullhorn, megaphone, or other sound-producing device is generally prohibited. Loud music is specifically prohibited before 7:00 a.m. and after 10:00 p.m. A Sound Amplification Permit is required for amplified sound.

3
Animals

The owning, possessing, controlling, harboring, or keeping of any dog, cat, or other animal or fowl which by howling, yelping, whining, barking, or otherwise causes a loud and raucous noise is prohibited. An extended period of incessant noise is 30 minutes or more in any 24-hour period, or intermittent noise that accumulates to 60 minutes or more during any 24-hour period.

4
Vehicles

Loud and raucous use of radios, CD and tape players, and phonographs in vehicles is prohibited. Motor vehicles subject to the California Vehicle Code are generally excluded from the general noise prohibition, unless specifically enumerated within the ordinance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Quiet Hours?

10PM-7AM (general); 9PM-7AM weekdays (construction/power tools); 9PM-9AM weekends/holidays (construction/power tools).

Construction?

Usually limited to daytime hours (e.g. 7am-6pm). Check 'Specific Restrictions' above.

Who to call?

Use Non-Emergency Police: 209-552-2470.

Fines?

Commonly range from $50 to $500 for initial offenses.

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