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Review Construction Ordinance Hours & Report a Noise Violation

Construction noise is allowed only during times indicated below. If you suspect a violation is taking place, you may file a complaint using our online reporting system or by calling the complaint line shown below.

(510) 238-3381
Noise Violation Complaint Line

Posted: August 31st, 2018 3:44 PM

Last Updated: May 31st, 2022 6:01 PM

Permitted Hours and Noise Levels By Activity

Permit (OMC Section) Weekdays Saturday Sunday/Holiday

Grading (15.04.780)

7:00 am ~ 9:00 pm

8:30 am ~ 6:00 pm

Prohibited

Building (17.120.050, 8.18.020)

No restrictions on hours.

See note below for sound-level restrictions.*

No restrictions on hours.

See note below for sound-level restrictions.*

No restrictions on hours.

See note below for sound-level restrictions.*

Building Use

For restrictions on hours, refer to Conditions of Approval.

See note below for dB sound-level restrictions.*

For restrictions on hours, refer to Conditions of Approval.

See note below for dB sound-level restrictions.*

For restrictions on hours, refer to Conditions of Approval.

See note below for dB sound-level restrictions.*

As Permitted According to Design Review Requirements

For restrictions on hours, refer to Conditions of Approval.

See note below for dB sound-level restrictions.*

For restrictions on hours, refer to Conditions of Approval.

See note below for dB sound-level restrictions.*

For restrictions on hours, refer to Conditions of Approval.

See note below for dB sound-level restrictions.*

*For all construction activity including grading in a residential area:
7:00 am ~ 9:00 pm -- 70 dB for five minutes maximum sound level in one hour.

Additional Nuisance Noise Controls

Nuisance Type OMC Section Hours

Persistent Noise

8.18.020

9:00 pm ~ 7:00 am
Construction-related noise

Domestic Power Tools

8.18.010

9:00 pm ~ 6:00 am
Domestic Power Tools

Domestic Power Tools

17.120.050a

Anytime in excess of allowed residential noise standards

Additional Construction Requirements

Parking

Keep all roadways free of construction materials and equipment that could block access by responding emergency vehicles. Park all trucks, trailers, dumpsters, heavy equipment, cement mixers etc. on one side of the street at the construction job site leaving an open lane for vehicular traffic and emergency response vehicles. Parking in posted "No Parking" zones and painted "Red Zones" is a violation of the California Vehicle Code and will be enforced.

Hill Areas

Construction that occurs within the established boundaries of the Wildfire Prevention Benefit Assessment District of the Oakland Hills must comply with fire-safe practices including having fire extinguishing apparatus on-site (fire extinguishers or connected / ready to use water hoses) no open flames, no smoking on "Red Flag" high fire danger days and conscientious use of power tools and mechanical equipment.

Erosion Control


Best management practices must be used daily to protect inland and bay waterways.

Toilet Accommodations


Toilet facilities are required at or adjacent to the work site per OMC 15.04.080.

Illegal Dumping


Disposal receipts are required as part of the sign-off and closure

Enforcement


Building Department, Fire Marshal's Office, Parking and Traffic Enforcement, Public Works Agency, and the Police Department, are authorized to abate public safety violations. Failure to comply will result in permit suspension, citations, fees, and penalties.

Read the Oakland Noise Ordinance online here.

INSPECTIONS, BUILDING PERMITS, AND CODE ENFORCEMENT MAIN OFFICE:

250 Frank H Ogawa Plaza
2nd Floor
Oakland, CA 94612