Riverside Municipal Code Ch. 7.35 General Noise Regulations

A. It is unlawful for any person to make, continue, or cause to be made or continued any noise disturbance, as it is defined in Section 7.10.125, and offends a reasonable person of normal sensitivities. The factors which should be considered in determining whether a violation of this section exists, include the following:

1. The sound level of the objectionable noise.

2. The sound level of the ambient noise.

3. The proximity of the noise to dwelling units, hospital, hotels and the like.

4. The zoning of the area.

5. The population density of the area.

6. The time of day or night.

7. The duration of the noise.

8. Whether the noise is recurrent, intermittent, or constant.

9. Whether the noise is produced by a commercial or noncommercial activity.

10. Whether the nature of the noise is usual or unusual.

11. Whether the noise is natural or unnatural.

B. It is unlawful for any person to make, continue, or cause to be made or continued any noise disturbance.

C. Any noise plainly audible through partitions common to two dwelling units within a building shall be prohibited.

D. The emitting or transmitting of any loud music or noise disturbance from any sound amplifying equipment or live performance, which is plainly audible from a distance of 25 feet or more from the edge of the property, structure, or unit from which the source is located, shall be prohibited.

(Ord. 7703, § 2, 2025; Ord. 7489 § 24, 2019; Ord. 7341 §6, 2016; Ord. 6959 §2, 2007; Ord. 6328 § 1, 1996; Ord. 6273 § 1 (part), 1996)

The following activities shall be exempt from the provisions of this title:

A. Emergency work. The provisions of this title shall not apply to the emission of sound for the purpose of alerting persons to the existence of an emergency or in the performance of emergency work.

B. School events. Sanctioned school activities conducted on public or private school grounds including but not limited to school athletic and entertainment events are exempted from the provisions of this chapter conducted between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m.

C. Federal or State preempted activities. The provisions of this Chapter shall not apply to any other activity the noise level of which is regulated by state or federal law.

D. Minor maintenance to residential property. The provisions of this title shall not apply to noise sources associated with minor maintenance to property used for residential purposes, provided the activities take place between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m.

E. Right-of-way construction. The provisions of this title shall not apply to any work performed in the City right-of-ways when, in the opinion of the Public Works Director or his designee, such work will create traffic congestion and/or hazardous or unsafe conditions.

F. Public health, welfare and safety activities. The provisions of this title shall not apply to construction maintenance and repair operations conducted by public agencies and/or utility companies or their contractors which are deemed necessary to serve the best interests of the public and to protect the public health, welfare and safety, including but not limited to, trash collection, street sweeping, debris and limb removal, removal of downed wires, restoring electrical service, repairing traffic signals, unplugging sewers, vacuuming catch basins, repairing of damaged poles, removal of abandoned vehicles, repairing of water hydrants and mains, gas lines, oil lines, sewers, storm drains, roads, sidewalks, etc.

G. Construction. Noise sources associated with construction, repair, remodeling, or grading of any real property; provided a permit has been obtained from the City as required; and provided said activities do not take place between the hours of 7:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. on weekdays, between the hours of 5:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. on Saturdays, or at any time on Sunday or a federal holiday.

H. Warning devices. Warning devices necessary for the protection of public safety, as for example fire, police, and ambulance sirens, including the testing of such devices, are exempted from the provisions of this title.

I. Agriculture. Any agricultural activity, operation, or facility, or appurtenances thereof (e.g., wind machines), conducted or maintained for commercial purposes, and in a manner consistent with proper and accepted customs and standards as allowed under California Civil Code Section 3482 as amended from time to time.

(Ord. 7489 § 25, 2019; Ord. 7341 § 6, 2016; Ord. 6917 § 1, 2006; Ord. 6328 § 2, 1996; Ord. 6273 § 1 (part), 1996)