14 Oct County Eyes Expanded Noise Regulations

(Screenshot captured by Samantha Kennedy / The CC Pulse)

By Samantha Kennedy

Contra Costa County is looking to tighten up loopholes in its noise regulations by expanding prohibitions on outdoor amplified sounds and construction noise. 

The Board of Supervisors on Oct. 7 asked county staff to draft new regulations that could bar outdoor amplified sounds after 8 p.m. on most days, and require applying construction hours to all projects requiring a building permit. 

The recommendation comes after residents in unincorporated areas raised concerns about noise issues with county staff. The county already has noise regulations in place, but John Kopchik, director of the Department of Conservation and Development, said it could improve on regulating parties and construction. 

“Let’s take a stab at it and see where we go,” said Supervisor Candace Andersen. 

Staff suggested that the 8 p.m. cutoff, which is consistent with existing regulations for “events” or “gatherings,” be applied even if an event wasn’t taking place. Noise originating from inside would also be regulated if windows or doors are left open. 

Nearly all supervisors and Kopchik warned of the difficulties that may come with enforcing such an ordinance, but differed on how to increase effectiveness. Supervisor Ken Carlson, Kopchik and Andersen advocated for a broader approach, largely to ease enforcement for officers. Supervisor John Gioia said he preferred an ordinance that might carve out exemptions for commercial districts. 

Starting in 2022, county officials began revising regulations for temporary events to increase fine amounts and close other loopholes. In 2024, changes to close loopholes were incorporated into the current regulations. 

Most residents raised concerns with noise from parties and events in unincorporated areas, according to a 2024 survey of 100 people. Around 50 and 60 of respondents said that they were not concerned with noise from construction or businesses, respectively. 

Gioia suggested the ordinance could exempt homes far away from neighbors or commercial districts.

“If there’s some asterisks there, then it could make enforcement trickier,” said Kopchik, noting some exemptions might need to be made for other things that could fall under the ordinance. National Night Out, for example, would be subject to enforcement if it went after 8 p.m. 

Regardless, enforcement isn’t easy. 

Kopchik said it’s a “big time suck,” and resources have to be available to do it. Costs to enforce any new regulations “could be significant,” and limited resources in the Conservation and Development department and the Sheriff’s Department can hinder responses. 

Regulations wouldn’t apply to general noise from vehicles or things like leaf blowers — and are not typically recommended, according to Kopchik — because they are short-lived and a “byproduct of the activity” that are difficult to regulate. 

Gioia also raised concerns about officer discretion during enforcement, saying the ordinance could “be subject to abuse.” 

Before coming to supervisors for a vote, staff will draft an ordinance and go before the planning commission. 

“I want the public to be fully aware that [noise regulation enforcement] is hard,” said Carlson. “We appreciate what might be an inconvenience — and we’ll do our best —but God bless you.”