9-404.040 - NOISE LIMITS
San Joaquin County Zoning Code · 2026-06 edition · ingested 2026-07-06 · San Joaquin County
All uses and property must meet the following standards for noise from transportation sources and stationary sources.
(a)
Transportation Noise Sources.
(1)
Excluding projects on infill lots, proposed noise sensitive land uses that will be impacted by noise from existing or planned transportation facilities shall be required to mitigate the noise levels from these noise sources so that the resulting noise levels within the site do not exceed the standards specified in Table 9- 404.040, Part I for the specified noise sensitive land uses.
(2)
Proposed projects on infill lots that will be impacted by noise from existing or planned transportation facilities shall be required to mitigate the noise levels from these noise sources so that the resulting noise levels do not exceed the standards specified in Table 9-404.040, Part I for interior spaces only for the specified noise sensitive land uses.
(3)
Private development projects that include the development of new transportation facilities or the expansion of existing transportation facilities shall be required to mitigate the noise levels from these facilities so that the resulting noise levels on noise sensitive land uses within and adjacent to said development projects do not exceed the standards specified in Table 9-404.040, Part I for the specified noise sensitive land uses.
(b)
Stationary Noise Sources.
(1)
Excluding proposed noise sensitive land uses on infill lots, proposed noise sensitive land uses that will be impacted by stationary noise sources shall be required to mitigate the noise levels from these sources so that the resulting noise levels on the proposed noise sensitive land uses do not exceed the standards specified in Table 9-404.040, Part II for the specified noise sensitive land uses.
(2)
Proposed projects that will create new stationary noise sources or expand existing stationary noise sources shall be required to mitigate the noise levels from these sources, so as not to exceed the noise level standards specified in Table 9-404.040, Part II for the specified noise sensitive land uses.
| TABLE 9-404.040 - MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE NOISE EXPOSURE FOR NOISE SENSITIVE LAND USES | TABLE 9-404.040 - MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE NOISE EXPOSURE FOR NOISE SENSITIVE LAND USES | TABLE 9-404.040 - MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE NOISE EXPOSURE FOR NOISE SENSITIVE LAND USES |
|---|---|---|
| Part I: Transportation Noise Sources | ||
| Noise Sensitive Land Use (Use Types) |
Outdoor Activity Areas1(dB Ldn) | Interior Spaces (dB Ldn) |
| Residential: all Housing Types and Residential Use Types Resudenbti |
65 | 45 |
| College and Trade School | 65 | 45 |
| Commercial Use Types not separately listed |
- | 45 |
| Community Assembly/Religious Assembly |
65 | 45 |
| Cultural Institutions | 65 | 45 |
| Hospitals and Clinics | 65 | 45 |
| Ofces | - | 45 |
| Parks and Recreation Facilities | 65 | 45 |
| Schools | 65 | 45 |
| Part II: Stationary Noise Sources | ||
| Sound Level | Outdoor Activity Areas of Noise Sensitive Land Uses1Daytime2 (7 a.m. to 10 p.m.) |
Outdoor Activity Areas for Noise Sensitive Land Uses1Nighttime 2(10 p.m. to 7 a.m.) |
| Hourly Equivalent Sound Level (Leq), dB3 |
55 | 45 |
| Maximum Sound Level (Lmax), dB |
75 | 65 |
Where the location of outdoor activity areas is unknown or is not applicable, the noise standard shall be applied at the property line of the receiving land use. When determining the effectiveness of noise mitigation measures, the standards shall be applied on the receiving side of noise barriers or other property line noise mitigation measures.
Each of the noise level standards specified shall be reduced by 5 dB for impulsive noise, single tone noise, or noise consisting primarily of speech or music.
If the noise source operates for less than 30 minutes per hour, then the maximum sound level standard shall apply.
(c)
Prohibited Activities.
(1)
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.
(2)
No use or activity shall create any noise or allow the creation of any noise on property owned, leased, occupied or otherwise controlled by such person that causes the noise level on any property with a noisesensitive land use to exceed the applicable noise standard in Table 9-404.0404, unless the activity is exempt or a specific regulation applies.