Stockton noise ordinance: rules and who to call

Does Stockton have quiet hours?

Quiet hours: No general quiet hours. Music that unreasonably annoys people nearby is barred at any hour. Construction: not from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. if it disturbs across a home's property line. Power tools and yard tools in residential areas: not from 9 p.m. to 8 a.m.
Right now: Checking the clock for Stockton.
Who to call: Stockton Police non-emergency: 209-937-8377. Neighborhood Services (code enforcement): 209-937-8813 or NSS@stocktonca.gov. Emergencies: 911.
The law: Stockton Municipal Code Chapter 8.20, Noise Regulations (§§ 8.20.030 to 8.20.050), and § 16.60.030. Read the code

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We checked this against the city's code and website on November 9, 2026.

Stockton's barking dog rule is built around neighbors who agree. Under Chapter 8.20 of the Stockton Municipal Code, "Noise Regulations," complaints from two or more nearby households that match on times and length count as evidence of a violation. The same chapter covers loud music, and Chapter 16.60 in the zoning code adds construction hours.

What is too loud in Stockton?

The general rule is § 8.20.030(A). It bars willfully making loud, unnecessary or unusual noise that unreasonably disturbs the peace of a neighborhood, or that causes discomfort to a reasonable person of normal sensitiveness living nearby. Factors include how loud and how intense the noise is, how close it is to bedrooms, the time of day and how long it lasts. No sound meter reading is needed.

For music, § 8.20.030(B)(4) makes it unlawful to play a radio, TV, stereo or instrument, indoors or in a car, so it causes "unreasonable annoyance" to people living nearby. The rule has no set hours.

Chapter 16.60 also sets outdoor limits of 55 dB (hourly average) by day and 45 dB from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. at a home's property line (§ 16.60.040, Table 3-7, Part II). They apply to new or expanded businesses and other projects near homes.

Barking dogs

No one may keep an animal that, by "frequent or long continued noise," disturbs a reasonable person of normal sensitiveness living nearby (§ 8.20.040(A)). If two or more residents of separate homes, including apartments and condos, on adjoining property or within 300 feet agree on when and how long the noise happens, that is prima facie evidence of a violation (§ 8.20.040(B)). Licensed kennels and catteries are exempt.

Construction and yard work

Construction, drilling, demolition and repair work on private property is barred from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. if the sound creates a noise disturbance across a home's property line (§ 16.60.030(A)). Power saws, drills, sanders, grinders and lawn or garden tools used for noncommercial work in residential areas can't disturb across a property line from 9 p.m. to 8 a.m. (§ 8.20.030(B)(7)).

How do I report noise in Stockton?

The Stockton Police Department lists its non-emergency number as 209-937-8377. For an emergency, call 911. The city's Code Enforcement page says to report code violations to Neighborhood Services at 209-937-8813 or NSS@stocktonca.gov.

Fines and penalties

A violation of Chapter 8.20 is a misdemeanor unless the chapter says otherwise. The penalty is a fine of up to $500, up to six months in jail, or both (§ 8.20.050(A)). Each violation is a separate offense. Car audio heard 50 feet away on a public street is an infraction instead (§ 8.20.030(B)(5)).

Keeping a noise log

The barking rule works best when two households keep matching records. Ask a neighbor who hears it too to note the same nights. The Noisy Neighbor iPhone app logs each incident with the date, time, length and an estimated decibel level. It exports a PDF report. Phone readings are estimates.

Stockton noise FAQ

What are the quiet hours in Stockton?

No general quiet hours. Music that unreasonably annoys people nearby is barred at any hour. Construction: not from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. if it disturbs across a home's property line. Power tools and yard tools in residential areas: not from 9 p.m. to 8 a.m.

Who do I call about a noisy neighbor in Stockton?

Stockton Police non-emergency: 209-937-8377. Neighborhood Services (code enforcement): 209-937-8813 or NSS@stocktonca.gov. Emergencies: 911.

Where are Stockton's noise rules?

Stockton Municipal Code Chapter 8.20, Noise Regulations (§§ 8.20.030 to 8.20.050), and § 16.60.030. There is a link to the official code at the top and bottom of this page.

How many neighbors have to complain about a barking dog in Stockton?

Under § 8.20.040(B), complaints from two or more residents of separate homes next to the dog's property, or within 300 feet of it, who agree on when and how long the noise happens, are prima facie evidence of a violation.

What is the fine for a noise violation in Stockton?

Most violations of Chapter 8.20 are misdemeanors with a fine of up to $500, up to six months in jail, or both. Each violation is a separate offense (§ 8.20.050).

Sources

Last checked November 9, 2026. Laws change, so check the official code before you act. This is not legal advice.