Riverside Municipal Code Ch. 7.25 Nuisance Exterior Sound Level Limits

A. Unless a variance has been granted as provided in this title, it shall be unlawful for any person to cause or allow the creation of any noise which exceeds the following:

1. The exterior noise standard of the applicable land use category, up to five decibels, for a cumulative period of more than 30 minutes in any hour; or

2. The exterior noise standard of the applicable land use category, plus five decibels, for a cumulative period of more than 15 minutes in any hour; or

3. The exterior noise standard of the applicable land use category, plus ten decibels, for a cumulative period of more than five minutes in any hour; or

4. The exterior noise standard of the applicable land use category, plus 15 decibels, for the cumulative period of more than one minute in any hour; or

5. The exterior noise standard for the applicable land use category, plus 20 decibels or the maximum measured ambient noise level, for any period of time.

B. If the measured ambient noise level exceeds that permissible within any of the first four noise limit categories, the allowable noise exposure standard shall be increased in five decibel increments in each category as appropriate to encompass the ambient noise level. In the event the ambient noise level exceeds the fifth noise limit category, the maximum allowable noise level under said category shall be increased to reflect the maximum ambient noise level.

C. If possible, the ambient noise level shall be measured at the same location along the property line with the alleged offending noise source inoperative. If for any reason the alleged offending noise source cannot be shut down, then the ambient noise must be estimated by performing a measurement in the same general area of the source but at a sufficient distance that the offending noise is inaudible. If the measurement location is on the boundary between two different districts, the noise shall be the arithmetic mean of the two districts.

D. Where the intruding noise source is an air-conditioning unit or refrigeration system which was installed prior to the effective date of this title, the exterior noise level when measured at the property line shall not exceed 60 dBA for units installed before 1-1-80 and 55 dBA for units installed after 1-1-80.

Table 7.25.010A

Exterior Noise Standards

Table 7.25.010.B

Land Use Category/Zoning Matrix

(Ord. 7489 § 20, 21(Exh. A), 2019; Ord. 6967 § 5, 2007; Ord. 6273 § 1 (part), 1996)