In December 2024, Fresno County supervisors changed the way Sheriff's deputies can enforce noise complaints under Title 8, Chapter 8.40.
This is in response to our department receiving numerous calls each day from residents complaining about continuous noise being made by neighbors in the forms of music, machinery, vehicles, etc. One of the largest issues surrounds people utilizing their land as non-permitted event venues. These locations generate numerous noise complaints.
Prior to this new ordinance, a person who filed a complaint must have had a deputy write their name on the citation before issuing it to the offender. This often caused the person to drop the complaint due to them not wanting to cause a feud with their neighbor.
Under the new guidelines, effective January 17, 2025, the complaining party's name is not required for the citation; deputies can issue it themselves. We of course always try to give the person a chance to reduce the noise level with a verbal warning before issuing a citation. Complaints can be reported by calling the Sheriff's Office at (559) 600-3111.
Citations can amount to $250 for the first offense, $500 for the second offense within six months and $1,000 for the third offense within six months. More serious violations can lead to a misdemeanor punishable by up to 6 months in jail and a fine not to exceed $1,000. Visitors at the location of the noisy gathering can also be subject to receiving a citation.
To view a complete copy of the noise ordinance, visit: https://fresnocounty.legistar.com/View.ashx?M=F&ID=13635804&GUID=5DDD1856-515E-46B1-9E2C-5A2AC595ADBE
Deputies will trained under a new policy to utilize decibel meter reading devices so they can determine if the noise exceeds the following state standards for residential home noise.
Daytime Standard
(7 a.m. - 10 p.m.)
30 ‐ 60 minutes per hour: 55 decibels
15 ‐ 30 minutes per hour: 60 decibels
5 ‐ 15 minutes per hour: 65 decibels
1 ‐ 5 minutes per hour: 70 decibels
Less than 1 minute per hour: 75 decibels
Nighttime Standard
(10 p.m. - 7 a.m.)
30 ‐ 60 minutes per hour: 45 decibels
15 ‐ 30 minutes per hour: 50 decibels
5 ‐ 15 minutes per hour: 55 decibels
1 ‐ 5 minutes per hour: 60 decibels
Less than 1 minute per hour: 65 decibels
