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Chapter 11.96 — UNLAWFUL NOISES

Pacific Grove Municipal Code · 2026-07 edition · updated 2026-09-27 · Pacific Grove

§ 11.96.010. Unlawful noises – Standards for determination.

Notwithstanding the provisions of Chapter 11.94 PGMC, and in addition thereto, it shall be made unlawful for any person to willfully make or continue, or cause to be made or continued, any loud, unnecessary, or unusual noise which disturbs the peace or quiet of any neighborhood or which causes discomfort or annoyance to any reasonable person of normal sensitiveness residing in the area.

The standards which shall be considered in determining whether provisions of this section have been violated shall include, but not be limited to, the following:

  • (a) The level of the noise;

  • (b) The intensity of the noise;

  • (c) Whether the nature of the noise is usual or unusual;

  • (d) Whether the origin of the noise is natural or unnatural;

  • (e) The level and intensity of the background noise, if any;

  • (f) The proximity of the noise to residential sleeping facilities;

  • (g) The nature and zoning of the area within which the noise emanates;

  • (h) The density of the inhabitation of the area within which the noise emanates;

  • (i) The time of the day or night the noise occurs;

  • (j) The duration of the noise;

  • (k) Whether the noise is recurrent, intermittent, or constant; and

  • (l) Whether the noise is produced by a commercial or noncommercial activity.

  • (Ord. 1987 N.S. § 3, 1995; Ord. 20-005 § 2, 2020)

§ 11.96.020. Leaf blowers – Restrictions on use.

  • (a) As used in this section, the following terms shall have the meanings set out below:

    • (1) "Leaf blower" means any device, and its associated equipment, designed or operated to produce a current of air generated by a power source to push, propel, or blow leaves, dust, cuttings, refuse, or any other waste or debris material. Street sweeping vehicles are not leaf blowers.

  • (b) It is unlawful for any person to operate a gasoline or other combustion engine leaf blower or vacuum within the city limits. Corded electric or battery-powered leaf blowers or vacuums are exempt from this limit.

  • (c) It is unlawful for any person to operate any leaf blower to push, propel or blow leaves, dust, weeds, cuttings, refuse or any other waste or debris material into the air in a manner which allows them to settle on public property or on private property not belonging to the same

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City of Pacific Grove, CA

HEALTH, SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENT

§ 11.96.020

§ 11.96.050

owner of the property on which the blower is being operated. Any materials so pushed, propelled or blown shall be gathered and removed immediately by the person operating the leaf blower.

  • (d) This section does not authorize any activity or environmental harm or impact, including noise or air pollution, that would otherwise be a harm, hazard, nuisance, or trespass, or violate any other law.

  • (e) Public agencies, including the city of Pacific Grove, shall fully comply with the provisions of this section.

  • (Ord. 01-03 § 1, 2001; Ord. 08-006 § 43, 2008; Ord. 20-005 § 2, 2020)

§ 11.96.030. Sound pressure meters.

Repealed by Ord. 20-005.

  • (Ord. 01-03 § 2, 2001; Ord. 09-005 § 18, 2009)

§ 11.96.040. Construction noise time limits.

  • (a) Purpose. The purpose of this section is to protect neighbors and the community from excessive noise caused by construction activities while not unduly restricting lawful construction, by establishing specific hours when construction noise is not allowed.

  • (b) Time Limits. All noise-generating construction activities, as well as delivery and removal of materials and equipment associated with those construction activities, are limited to the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Sunday.

  • (c) Notice of Construction Hours. Limits on construction hours shall be noted on the city building permit and approved building plans.

  • (d) Definition. "Noise-generating construction activities" means all activities associated with construction, alteration, remodeling, demolition or repair that generate persistent or repeated mechanical or percussive sounds that are clearly audible outside the boundaries of the property where the sound is generated.

  • (e) Exception. A permit to allow an exception to these time limitations may be issued by the zoning administrator or designee if it is found that the exception is warranted by unique and overriding circumstances, is in furtherance of the purpose of this section, and is of short duration. Each permit shall be for a limited term, and shall be conditioned to require renewal after that term. Before issuing a permit under this section the city shall post and mail notice of the proposed permit to neighbors within 300 feet of the construction site. Notice shall include a statement of the proposed construction time limits, duration of the exception and the process by which the permit may be appealed. The city manager or designee shall have the discretion to waive the notice requirement in the event he or she determines there is an imminent danger to health, safety or property.

  • (f) Appeals. Decisions of the zoning administrator to allow an exception pursuant to this section may be appealed to the planning commission by any person, in accord with Chapter 23.74 PGMC.

  • (Ord. 16-012 § 3, 2016; Ord. 20-005 § 2, 2020)

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City of Pacific Grove, CA § 11.96.050

PACIFIC GROVE CODE

§ 11.96.050

§ 11.96.050. Enforcement.

Violations of this chapter may be enforced in accordance with Chapters 1.16 and 1.19 PGMC. Violation of this chapter may also be considered to be a public nuisance. In addition to any other remedies or penalties that may be available, any violation of this chapter shall be subject to abatement by the city, as well as any other remedies that may be permitted by law for public nuisances, and may be enforced by an injunction issued by the superior court in a civil action, based upon a showing by the city that said violation exists. The city manager is authorized to establish regulations or administrative procedures to obtain compliance with this chapter. (Ord. 20-005 § 2, 2020)

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City of Pacific Grove, CA

HEALTH, SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENT

§ 11.97.010

§ 11.97.020

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▸Contents — Pacific Grove Municipal Code
Pacific Grove Municipal Code
  1. Article 2 — Boundaries
  2. Article 3 — Inalienable Rights of City
  3. Article 4 — Powers
  4. Article 5 — General Laws Applicable
  5. Article 5.5 — Residential Character of the City
  6. Article 6 — Officers and Employees
  7. Article 7 — Residential Qualifications
  8. Article 8 — Elections
  9. Article 9 — Canvass of Returns
  10. Article 10 — Oath of Office
  11. Article 11 — The Mayor
  12. Article 12.5 — PACIFIC GROVE CODE
  13. Article 12 — The Council
  14. Article 12.5 — Limitation of Terms
  15. Article 13 — Meetings of the Council
  16. Article 14 — Quorum
  17. Article 15 — Ordinances
  18. Article 19 — PACIFIC GROVE CODE
  19. Article 16 — The Initiative and Referendum
  20. Article 17 — The Recall
  21. Article 18 — Oaths and Subpoenas
  22. Article 19 — City Manager
  23. Article 20 — CHARTER OF THE CITY OF PACIFIC GROVE,
  24. Article 20 — City Manager Pro Tempore
  25. Article 23 — PACIFIC GROVE CODE
  26. Article 21 — Interference with or by City Manager
  27. Article 22 — City Clerk
  28. Article 23 — City Treasurer
  29. Article 26 — CHARTER OF THE CITY OF PACIFIC GROVE,
  30. Article 24 — City Attorney
  31. Article 25 — Compensation
  32. Article 26 — Appointive Commissions and Boards
  33. Article 26 — PACIFIC GROVE CODE
  34. Article 31 — CHARTER OF THE CITY OF PACIFIC GROVE,
  35. Article 27 — Approving Illegal Claims
  36. Article 28 — The Fiscal Year
  37. Article 29 — Budget
  38. Article 30 — Taxation
  39. Article 31 — Annual Tax Levy
  40. Article 34 — PACIFIC GROVE CODE
  41. Article 32 — Limit and Apportionment of the Tax Levy
  42. Article 33 — Special Tax Levy
  43. Article 34 — Tax Liens
  44. Article 39 — CHARTER OF THE CITY OF PACIFIC GROVE,
  45. Article 35 — Deposit of City Moneys
  46. Article 36 — Payment of City Moneys
  47. Article 37 — Annual Audit
  48. Article 38 — Inventory of City Property
  49. Article 39 — Franchises
  50. Article 41 — PACIFIC GROVE CODE
  51. Article 40 — Contracts on Public Works; Materials and Supplies
  52. Article 41 — Official Records
  53. Article 45 — CHARTER OF THE CITY OF PACIFIC GROVE,
  54. Article 42 — Newspaper Advertising
  55. Article 43 — Political Activities
  56. Article 44 — Conflict of Interest and Disclosure of Interest
  57. Article 45 — Enforcement.
  58. Article 46 — Validity.
  59. Title 1
  60. Title 2
  61. Chapter 2.50 — ELECTRONIC RECORDS AND ELECTRONIC SIGNATURES
  62. Chapter 2.04 — COUNCIL[1 ]
  63. Chapter 2.05 — MAYOR
  64. Chapter 2.06 — CITY MANAGER
  65. Chapter 2.07 — CITY ATTORNEY
  66. Chapter 2.12 — UNCLAIMED PROPERTY
  67. Chapter 2.14 — INVENTORY
  68. Article I — General Provisions
  69. Article II
  70. Article III
  71. Article IV — Public Works Contracts
  72. Chapter 2.20 — ELECTION REGULATIONS
  73. Chapter 2.30 — CAMPAIGN FINANCE REGULATIONS
  74. Chapter 2.40 — CONFLICT OF INTEREST
  75. Chapter 2.50
  76. Chapter 2.60
  77. Chapter 2.70 — DISTRICT-BASED ELECTIONS
  78. Title 3
  79. Chapter 3.02
  80. Chapter 3.04 — PROCEDURES FOR APPOINTMENTS – OTHER BOARDS, COM…
  81. Chapter 3.20 — EMERGENCY SERVICES
  82. Chapter 3.24
  83. Chapter 3.28 — CULTURAL ARTS COMMISSION
  84. Chapter 3.30 — HEARING OFFICER PANEL (Repealed by Ord. 25-018)
  85. Chapter 3.40 — ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
  86. Chapter 3.42 — GOLF LINKS ADVISORY COMMISSION
  87. Chapter 3.46
  88. Title 4
  89. Chapter 4.08 — VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT ASSOCIATION
  90. Chapter 4.16 — SURETY BONDS
  91. Chapter 4.10 — PACIFIC GROVE OCEAN RESCUE
  92. Chapter 4.14 — PACIFIC GROVE POLICE RESERVE
  93. Chapter 4.08 — VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT ASSOCIATION[1 ]
  94. Chapter 4.10 — PACIFIC GROVE OCEAN RESCUE (Repealed by Ord. 08…
  95. Chapter 4.12 — PEACE OFFICER TRAINING STANDARDS
  96. Chapter 4.14 — PACIFIC GROVE POLICE RESERVE
  97. Article I — Definition Of Terms
  98. Article II — Personnel System
  99. Article III — Promotion And Recruitment Process
  100. Article VI — Classification Plan
  101. Article VII — Layoff Policy And Procedure
  102. Chapter 4.30
  103. Title 6
  104. Chapter 6.02
  105. Chapter 6.04 — TAX COLLECTION
  106. Chapter 6.06 — UNIFORM CLAIMS PRESENTATION
  107. Chapter 6.07 — TRANSACTIONS AND USE TAX
  108. Chapter 6.08 — UNIFORM SALES AND USE TAX[3 ]
  109. Chapter 6.09 — UNIFORM TRANSIENT OCCUPANCY TAX
  110. Chapter 6.10
  111. Chapter 6.11
  112. Chapter 6.12 — REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT IMPACT FEE
  113. Chapter 6.14
  114. Chapter 6.16 — SPECIAL GAS TAX IMPROVEMENT FUND[5 ]
  115. Chapter 6.18 — INTERFUND LOANS
  116. Chapter 6.20 — WARRANTS
  117. Chapter 6.24 — WORKERS' COMPENSATION FUND
  118. Chapter 6.28 — FIRE DEPARTMENT EMERGENCY EQUIPMENT FUND
  119. Chapter 6.32 — BOOK FUND
  120. Chapter 6.40
  121. Chapter 6.50
  122. Chapter 6.54 — PACIFIC GROVE HOSPITALITY IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT
  123. Title 7
  124. Chapter 7.04 — BUSINESS LICENSE TAX[1 ]
  125. Chapter 7.06
  126. Chapter 7.08 — POOL HALLS
  127. Chapter 7.10 — DRUG PARAPHERNALIA SALES
  128. Chapter 7.12 — DANCE HALLS
  129. Chapter 7.14 — CANNABIS BUSINESS TAX
  130. Chapter 7.16 — TAXICABS
  131. Chapter 7.20 — ADVERTISING HANDBILLS[2 ]
  132. Chapter 7.30 — DOCUMENTARY STAMP TAX
  133. Chapter 7.40 — SHORT-TERM RENTAL LICENSE[3 ]
  134. Title 9
  135. Chapter 9.04 — HEALTH DEPARTMENT
  136. Article I
  137. Article II
  138. Article III
  139. Chapter 9.40 — ABANDONED VEHICLES
  140. Title 10
  141. Chapter 10.18 — ADOPTED ANIMALS
  142. Chapter 10.04 — DOGS[1 ]
  143. Chapter 10.08 — KEEPING ANIMALS AND FOWL[2 ]
  144. Chapter 10.10 — FEEDING ANIMALS[3 ]
  145. Chapter 10.14 — TRAPPING OF DOMESTICATED CATS
  146. Chapter 10.18 — ADOPTED ANIMALS
  147. Title 11
  148. Chapter 11.68 — WATER DISTRIBUTION REGULATIONS
  149. Chapter 11.88 — PUBLIC URINATION AND DEFECATION
  150. Chapter 11.72 — AIRCRAFT LANDING; RECREATIONAL UAS PROHIBITED
  151. Chapter 11.94 — SOUND AMPLIFICATION REGULATIONS
  152. Chapter 11.80 — OFFSHORE DRILLING SUPPORT FACILITIES
  153. Chapter 11.97 — COMMUNITY FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT
  154. Chapter 11.04 — ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES[1 ]
  155. Chapter 11.08 — CURFEW FOR JUVENILES
  156. Chapter 11.09 — LOITERING
  157. Chapter 11.10 — GARAGE SALES
  158. Chapter 11.12 — SOLICITORS AND PEDDLERS
  159. Chapter 11.20 — CARD ROOMS[2 ]
  160. Chapter 11.24 — SMOKING REGULATIONS
  161. Chapter 11.26 — TOBACCO RETAILER LICENSE
  162. Chapter 11.32 — OBSTRUCTING STREETS AND SIDEWALKS
  163. Chapter 11.36 — DAMAGING PUBLIC BUILDINGS
  164. Chapter 11.38 — TRESPASS TO POSTED PUBLIC WORKS
  165. Chapter 11.40 — EXPECTORATING IN PUBLIC PLACES
  166. Chapter 11.42 — TRANSIT BUSES
  167. Chapter 11.45 — MILITARY EQUIPMENT
  168. Chapter 11.48 — MONARCH BUTTERFLIES
  169. Chapter 11.56 — FIRE SIGNAL CODE
  170. Chapter 11.60 — CONCEALED WEAPONS[4 ]
  171. Chapter 11.62 — ALARM SYSTEMS
  172. Chapter 11.68 — WATER DISTRIBUTION REGULATIONS
  173. Chapter 11.72
  174. Chapter 11.80 — OFFSHORE DRILLING SUPPORT FACILITIES
  175. Chapter 11.88 — PUBLIC URINATION AND DEFECATION
  176. Chapter 11.92 — DISTURBANCE ABATEMENT
  177. Chapter 11.94 — SOUND AMPLIFICATION REGULATIONS
  178. Chapter 11.96 — UNLAWFUL NOISES
  179. Chapter 11.97 — COMMUNITY FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT[5 ]
  180. Chapter 11.98 — REDUCTION OF SINGLE-USE PLASTICS
  181. Chapter 11.99 — FOOD PACKAGING (Repealed by Ord. 19-016)
  182. Chapter 11.100 — CANNABIS
  183. Chapter 11.101 — ABANDONED PROPERTY REGISTRATION
  184. Title 12
  185. Chapter 12.04 — INFECTED TREES, PLANTS AND SHRUBS
  186. Chapter 12.08 — WEED AND RUBBISH ABATEMENT[1 ]
  187. Chapter 12.10
  188. Chapter 12.16 — TREE PRESERVATION AND PROTECTION
  189. Chapter 12.20 — PROTECTED TREES
  190. Chapter 12.30 — TREES AND DEVELOPMENT
  191. Chapter 12.40 — HIGH-RISK TREES AND NUISANCE TREES
  192. Chapter 12.50 — TREE SERVICE CONTRACTORS
  193. Chapter 12.60 — PERMIT APPLICATION AND PROCESSING
  194. Chapter 12.70 — APPEALS
  195. Title 14
  196. Chapter 14.08 — PARKS[2 ]
  197. Chapter 14.16 — EL CARMELO CEMETERY
  198. Title 15
  199. Chapter 15.01
  200. Chapter 15.08 — HOUSE NUMBERS
  201. Chapter 15.16 — SIDEWALKS
  202. Chapter 15.20 — DRIVEWAYS
  203. Chapter 15.24
  204. Chapter 15.26
  205. Chapter 15.29 — UNDERGROUNDING UTILITIES
  206. Chapter 15.30
  207. Chapter 15.40
  208. Title 16
  209. Chapter 16.04 — DEFINITIONS
  210. Chapter 16.12 — ENFORCEMENT AND OBEDIENCE
  211. Chapter 16.16 — TRAFFIC-CONTROL DEVICES
  212. Chapter 16.20 — TURNING AT INTERSECTIONS
  213. Chapter 16.24 — ONE-WAY STREETS AND ALLEYS
  214. Chapter 16.25 — CREATION OF CUL-DE-SAC STREETS
  215. Chapter 16.32 — MISCELLANEOUS DRIVING RULES
  216. Chapter 16.40 — STOPPING, STANDING AND PARKING
  217. Chapter 16.41 — RESIDENTIAL PARKING PERMIT AREAS
  218. Chapter 16.44 — TRUCKS AND COMMERCIAL VEHICLES[1 ]
  219. Chapter 16.64
  220. Chapter 16.70 — TRIP REDUCTION
  221. Title 18
  222. Chapter 18.38 — WATER WELL REGULATIONS
  223. Chapter 18.40 — SEISMIC HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION PROGRAM
  224. Chapter 18.45 — RESIDENTIAL ROOFTOP SOLAR SYSTEM
  225. Chapter 18.04 — BUILDING CODES
  226. Chapter 18.08 — GREASE TRAPS
  227. Chapter 18.32 — FIRE PREVENTION[2 ]
  228. Chapter 18.36
  229. Chapter 18.38 — WATER WELL REGULATIONS
  230. Chapter 15.08 — MCC, Water Wells, hereby is adopted in its ent…
  231. Chapter 18.40 — SEISMIC HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION PROGRAM
  232. Chapter 18.42 — GREEN BUILDING REGULATIONS (Repealed by Ord. 1…
  233. Chapter 18.45 — RESIDENTIAL ROOFTOP SOLAR SYSTEM
  234. Chapter 18.46 — VEHICLE CHARGING STATIONS
  235. Title 20
  236. Chapter 20.05 — DOWNTOWN SIGNS
  237. Title 21
  238. Chapter 21.04 — INTERFERENCE WITH RECEPTION
  239. Chapter 21.08 — STRUCTURAL AND SAFETY REQUIREMENTS
  240. Chapter 21.12
  241. Title 23
  242. Chapter 23.43 — INITIATIVE RESTRICTION OF USE OF GEORGE WASHIN…
  243. Chapter 23.64 — GENERAL PROVISIONS AND EXCEPTIONS
  244. Chapter 23.84 — LEGISLATIVE AMENDMENTS
  245. Chapter 23.04 — PURPOSE AND EFFECT OF ZONING REGULATIONS
  246. Chapter 23.16
  247. Chapter 23.20
  248. Chapter 23.29
  249. Chapter 23.31 — COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL ZONING DISTRICTS
  250. Chapter 23.32
  251. Chapter 23.43
  252. Chapter 23.45
  253. Chapter 23.58
  254. Chapter 23.60 — PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT – PUD
  255. Chapter 23.64 — GENERAL PROVISIONS AND EXCEPTIONS
  256. Chapter 23.68 — NONCONFORMING USES AND BUILDINGS[2 ]
  257. Chapter 23.70 — COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PERMIT REVIEW AUTHORITIE…
  258. Chapter 23.72 — PERMIT APPLICATION FILING AND PROCESSING
  259. Chapter 23.73
  260. Chapter 23.74 — APPEALS AND CALL-UPS
  261. Chapter 23.76 — HISTORIC PRESERVATION[3 ]
  262. Chapter 23.77 — ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORTS[4 ]
  263. Chapter 23.78 — SALE OF RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS
  264. Chapter 23.79 — DENSITY BONUS REGULATIONS[5 ]
  265. Chapter 23.80 — ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS
  266. Chapter 23.81
  267. Chapter 23.82 — INTERPRETATIONS OF PERMITTED USE LISTS
  268. Chapter 23.84 — PGMC (Legislative Amendments). (Ord. 11-001 § …
  269. Chapter 23.86 — PUBLIC MEETING AND HEARING PROCEDURES
  270. Chapter 23.88 — ENFORCEMENT
  271. Chapter 23.90 — LOCAL COASTAL PROGRAM IMPLEMENTATION PLAN
  272. Chapter 23.92 — CANNABIS BUSINESSES
  273. Title 24
  274. Chapter 24.04 — GENERAL PROVISIONS
  275. Chapter 24.05 — CERTIFICATE OF COMPLIANCE
  276. Chapter 24.06
  277. Chapter 24.08 — PARCEL MAP PROCEDURES
  278. Chapter 24.12 — FILING OF TENTATIVE MAP
  279. Chapter 24.20 — IMPOSITION OF FEES
  280. Chapter 24.24
  281. Chapter 24.32 — SUBDIVISION STANDARDS
  282. Chapter 24.40
  283. Chapter 24.48
  284. Chapter 24.52 — SCHOOL SITE DEDICATIONS
  285. Chapter 24.64 — IMPROVEMENT SECURITY
  286. Title SR
  287. § SR.001. General Provisions.
  288. § SR.002. Administration and Personnel.
  289. § SR.003. Revenue and Finance.
  290. § SR.004. Business Licenses, Taxes and Regulations.
  291. § SR.005. Animals.
  292. § SR.006. Health and Safety.
  293. § SR.007. Public Peace, Morals and Welfare.
  294. § SR.008. Vehicles and Traffic.
  295. § SR.009. Streets, Sidewalks and Public Places.
  296. § SR.010. Public Services.
  297. § SR.011. Buildings and Construction.
  298. § SR.012. Subdivisions.
  299. § SR.014. Environment.
  300. Title CRT
  301. Title FR
  302. Title OL
  303. § OL.020. New Series

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