Can I report my Modesto neighbor for blasting loud music? What city rules say
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Nosy Neighbors in Modesto
A multi-part series by The Modesto Bee
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From barking dogs to clucking chickens, Modesto has rules designed to keep neighborhood noise from becoming a nuisance.
A Modesto Bee reader recently asked: When can I report my neighbor for playing loud music?
“My neighbor has this belief that he could play his music as loud as he wants because it's not 10 p.m. at night,” the reader wrote.
Is that allowed?
Here’s what the Modesto noise ordinance says:
Is my Modesto neighbor allowed to play loud music?
Modesto residents are allowed to play amplified music — but only within the limits set by city law.
“Noise may be defined as unwanted sound,” the city said. “Noise is usually objectionable because it is disturbing or annoying.”
Whether a sound becomes a problem can depend on its volume, duration and even its pitch.
In residential neighborhoods, city rules limit noise levels to 55 decibels from 7 a.m. to 9:59 p.m. and 45 decibels from 10 p.m. to 6:59 a.m.
Downtown Modesto has slightly higher limits, allowing 60 decibels from 7 a.m. to 9:59 p.m. and 50 decibels from 10 p.m. to 6:59 a.m.
A decibel is a “unit for measuring the amplitude of sounds,” the city said.
When can I report my neighbor for loud music?
According to the Modesto Municipal Code, “loud and raucous noise” is any sound that, due to its volume, duration or nature, disturbs the comfort of another person.
In other words, excessive noise can be considered a nuisance if it interferes with another person’s ability to comfortably enjoy their home or property whether it’s morning or night.
According to California’s Civil Code, a nuisance is generally anything that unreasonably interferes with someone’s ability to use or enjoy their property.
This law applies statewide, including Modesto.
How can I report my Modesto neighbor for loud music?
Residents can report suspected noise ordinance violations by calling the non-emergency line for Stanislaus Regional 911 at 209-552-2470.
Complaints can also be submitted through the Go Modesto App, which allows residents to alert the city Code Enforcement Unit about city issues and other municipal violations.
“All submissions remain anonymous,” city officials said.
What are penalties for violating Modesto’s noise ordinance?
Violating the local noise ordinance could result in a citation.
The person caught violating city codes is “usually given the opportunity to voluntarily comply with the law and correct the situation within a reasonable period,” the city said. “If the violator has not complied with the notice of violation within the specified time, Code Enforcement will take corrective action to remedy the problem.”
Under Modesto city rules, penalties increase for repeat violations, with fines escalating over time:
- First violation: $100
- Second violation within 12 months: $250
- Third violation within 12 months: $500
What questions do you have about living alongside Modesto neighbors?
Living alongside neighbors can be a challenge.
Whether your questions are about reporting violations or understanding what’s allowed, The Bee is here to help you navigate neighborhood issues.
You can submit questions directly to our reporters by emailing The Bee’s Angela Rodriguez at arodriguez@modbee.com, writing to our service journalism desk at servicejournalists@modbee.com, or filling out the form below.
You may be contacted by a Modesto Bee reporter.
