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Fresno noise ordinance: quiet hours and who to call

Fresno's noise rules are Article 1 of Chapter 10 of the Fresno Municipal Code, titled the "Noise Ordinance of the City of Fresno" (§ 10-101). It has a general ban on annoying noise and a measured test that compares the noise with the normal background level where you live.

The general rule

Section 10-105 bans any sound or noise "which causes discomfort or annoyance to any reasonable person of normal sensitiveness residing or working in the area." The section lists sources it covers, including:

• Radios, musical instruments, TVs and other devices that make or amplify sound
• Animals or birds making "any cry or behavioral sound"
• Machinery such as fans, pumps, air conditioners, compressors and generators
• Construction equipment and work

No meter reading is needed for a violation of § 10-105.

The 5-decibel test

Section 10-106 gives a measured test. Noise more than five decibels above the ambient level counts as a violation on its face. It is measured at the property line of the person it bothers. In a condominium or apartment building, the measurement can be taken inside any adjoining living unit. (As printed on Municode, § 10-106 refers to a violation of "Section 8-305" rather than § 10-105.)

Ambient noise is the background level averaged over 15 minutes without the noise being complained about (§ 10-102(b)). If the real background is quieter than the table below, the table level counts as the ambient level. For residential districts:

• 60 dBA from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• 55 dBA from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
• 50 dBA from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m.

Take a quiet night in a residential area. Noise above 55 dBA at your property line meets the § 10-106 test. If you share a wall, the reading can be taken inside your unit. Section 10-104 sets out how the measurement is done. Readings are taken every 15 seconds for 15 minutes with the noise off, then again with it on. The meter must be calibrated and set to A-weighted, slow response.

Barking dogs

Section 10-105 covers animal noise. Fresno also has a separate dog rule in Municipal Code § 9-2701(a): no one may keep a dog "which by habitual and continual barking, howling or whining shall disturb the peace and comfort of any neighborhood" or interfere with anyone's reasonable enjoyment of life or property. A violation is an infraction (§ 9-2701(d)). The police page suggests talking with the neighbor first and lists BBB Mediation Services (559-256-6300). If that fails, it says to report barking dogs to Code Enforcement through the FresGO app or by calling 311.

Construction

Section 10-109(a) exempts permitted construction, repair or remodeling, and site grading. The exemption only covers 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., any day except Sunday. Outside those hours, and all day Sunday, the noise rules apply to that work. Emergency work is exempt (§ 10-109(b)).

Loudspeakers and sound trucks

Amplified sound aimed at people on public streets, sidewalks or parks needs a registration statement filed with the City Controller (§ 10-108). It is allowed only from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. It can't be more than 15 decibels above the ambient level at any property line. It also can't be used within 200 feet of churches, schools or hospitals (§ 10-108(f)).

How to complain

The Police Department's Neighborhood Nuisances page says that for loud parties, a polite call to the neighbor is often enough. If it isn't, or if contacting them isn't safe, it says loud parties and other noise complaints "are not life-threatening emergencies" and should go to the non-emergency line, 559-621-7000. The dispatcher will ask where the noise is, how many people are there and whether any other crimes are happening. You can tell the dispatcher if you don't want officers to contact you.

For barking dogs and other code enforcement issues, use FresGO, 311 or 559-621-2489. The City's 311 page says staff answer Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and that you can submit a report at any time.

Penalties

Article 1 has no penalty section of its own, so the general rule in § 1-304 applies. A violation is a misdemeanor unless it's charged or treated as an infraction, or the City issues an administrative citation instead (§ 1-304(b)).

• Misdemeanor: a fine of up to $1,000, up to one year in county jail, or both (§ 1-304(a))
• Infraction: up to $100 for a first violation. A second violation of the same rule within a year is up to $200, and each one after that within a year is up to $500 (§ 1-304(c))

Each day a violation continues is a separate offense (§ 1-304(d)). Under § 10-111, noise that breaks the article and disturbs reasonable people can also be stopped as a public nuisance through a court order.

Keeping a record

The Fresno test compares the noise to the background level at the same spot and time of day. So notes on when the noise happens and how long it lasts help an officer or inspector know when to measure. The Noisy Neighbor iPhone app logs each incident with the time, length and an estimated decibel level. It exports a PDF report. Phone readings are estimates; the code calls for a calibrated sound level meter (§ 10-104).

Sources

• Fresno Municipal Code Chapter 10, Article 1, Noise Regulations (Municode)
• Fresno Municipal Code § 1-304, Code violations (Municode)
• Fresno Municipal Code § 9-2701, Keeping of dogs
• Fresno Police Department: Neighborhood Nuisances
• Fresno Police Department: Police Contacts
• City of Fresno: FresGO 311

Last checked October 21, 2026. Laws change, so check the official code before you act. This is not legal advice.