Can I take legal action against my noisy neighbor in Sacramento County? Here’s what to know

Living in a metropolitan area like Sacramento County means you’re almost always subject to some type of noise: aircraft, traffic, construction, night life and animals.

But when it’s your neighbor causing the noise — whether their music is too loud or their dog won’t stop barking — the racket can become unbearable.

According to Sacramento County code’s noise control page, it’s unlawful for any person to willingly make loud, unnecessary or unusual noise that disturbs any reasonable person of “normal sensitiveness” in the area.

Consistently noisy neighbors can disrupt your sleep, distract you from important tasks or just generally be a nuisance. But as noise sensitivity varies (as does each person’s tolerance level), what rules apply? And is it worth reporting?

That’s for you to decide.

The Bee spoke with Sacramento County spokespeople about dealing with loud neighbors. Here’s what they said:

What should I do about a noisy neighbor?

First thing: Talk to your neighbor. If you’re renting and are unsure how to contact them directly, try reaching out to your landlord or property manager.

If that doesn’t work, then, call 3-1-1.

“For noise complaints or really any non-emergency issue in the unincorporated area, it’s best for residents to call 3-1-1, whether the noise is coming from humans, animals or construction,” said Laurie Slothower, senior public information officer for Sacramento County in an email to The Bee.

You can also contact the Sacramento’s Sheriff’s Department non-emergency dispatcher line at 874-5115.

The following agencies respond to noise complaints in unincorporated Sacramento County:

• Environmental Management Department
• Sheriff’s Department
• Department of Animal Care and Regulation

Cities within the county, like Sacramento and Folsom, have their own systems for managing noise complaints. More on that later.

What repercussions will my neighbor face for loud noise?

According to the county code, this could eventually result in an infraction, if your neighbor is found to be in violation.

City laws are similar, but do vary. So beware. As a reminder, the City of Sacramento has its own system for noise complaints. But violation of the city code can result in a misdemeanor. In both cases, this is an option after multiple attempts to mitigate the issue are unsuccessful.

If the problem persists and you’ve kept detailed notes of the issue, you might be able to seek legal action for damages.

The county suggests you contact the property owner with a written notice (leave a paper trail!), asking for help so it doesn’t happen again. If it continues, “your documentation may be the basis for a private suit for deprivation of the quiet enjoyment of your property,” the county website says. Here’s what to note:

• Keep a chronological diary
• Write down the address
• Describe the incident
• Ask other neighbors to do the same

What should I do about my neighbor’s barking dog?

According to Sacramento County’s Animal Care and Regulation, which handles barking dog complaints, each case is handled differently depending on the situation.

Report a barking dog online or call 3-1-1. The department will reply within three to five business day and review each complaint to begin an investigation. You can also contact the Sacramento Mediation Center for private conflict resolution services.

If possible and if you feel comfortable, speak to the owner about the noise. If other neighbors share your concerns, try talking to the owner as a group or send a letter outlining the neighborhood’s concerns.

Be sure to keep a written log documenting the times and duration of the barking because it will help if you take civil action against your neighbor.

CITY OF SACRAMENTO

Like the county, you should call 3-1-1 for barking dog complaints. All barking dog and other animal nuisance complaints are handled by the city’s animal care services.

Complaints can also be called into (916) 808-7387.

Can they measure the noise level?

Sacramento County’s Environmental Management Department is responsible for investigating complaints of ongoing and aggravated noise with sound level meters, according to Sacramento County’s Noise Program page.

Generally, in residential zones of unincorporated Sacramento County, noise levels should not exceed 55 decibels from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. and 50 decibels from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m, according to the Sacramento County Noise Control Program.

To measure your neighbor’s noise level, the device would be set up at least one foot inside your property. When feasible, the microphone will then be set up 3 to 5 feet above ground level and at least 4 feet from walls or similar surfaces.

In the case of interior noise, the measurement will be taken at least 4 feet from the wall, ceiling or floor nearest to to the affected area, according to the sound level measurement section of the county noise control code.

CITY OF SACRAMENTO

Like in the county, noise levels should be limited to no more than 55 decibels.

In the case of interior noise, the measurement would be taken at a point at least 4 feet from the wall, ceiling or floor nearest to the affected area. In the case of exterior noise, a measurement would be taken at any point on the affected area, according to the City of Sacramento code’s sound level measurement page.

How do I make a noise complaint outside of the county?

Here are police lines to make non-emergency noise complaints to several incorporated cities within Sacramento County:

• City of Sacramento: (916) 264-5471
• City of Elk Grove: (916) 691-2489
• City of Rancho Cordova: 916) 362-5115
• City of Folsom: (916) 355-7231
• City of Galt: (209) 366-7000
• City of Isleton: City Offices (916) 777-7770