Riverside Noise Ordinance: Limits, Quiet Hours & How to File a Complaint

How Riverside decides what counts as too loud

Riverside sets numeric limits measured at the receiving property line, with a separate audibility test for amplified sound at night.

Noise limits in Riverside

What's specific to Riverside

• Between 10:00 PM and 7:00 AM, amplified sound plainly audible 50 ft from the building is prohibited independently of the decibel limit.

What Riverside residents most often report

• Amplified sound from residences and events after 10:00 PM.
• Construction outside 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM weekdays or 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM Saturdays.
• Commercial and industrial equipment at property lines shared with housing.

How to measure it in Riverside

Measure at the receiving property line and compare against 55 dBA daytime or 45 dBA after 10:00 PM. If the problem is amplified sound at night, there is a second and often easier test: sound plainly audible 50 ft from the building is prohibited between 10:00 PM and 7:00 AM regardless of the measured level.

Record levels with the free online decibel meter, and log the date, start time and duration with each reading. A phone microphone is accurate to roughly ±2 dB and is not a calibrated instrument — enough to establish a pattern, not enough for an enforcement hearing.

Penalties in Riverside

Administrative citations through Code Enforcement; escalating for continued violations.

How to file a noise complaint in Riverside

951-354-2007 for active disturbances; 951-826-5633 for ongoing code enforcement.

Police non-emergency / Code Enforcement →

Noise ordinances in other metros

See all US metro noise ordinances or read how many decibels is too loud.