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Board introduces and waives reading of amended noise ordinance to regulate stationary amplification in unincorporated county
Summary
The board introduced amendments to Title 6, Division 3, Chapter 2 to replace a dated 'sound truck' rule with a complaint‑driven ordinance covering noncommercial amplification; deputies would measure noise and may issue citations if body cameras capture violations; the board voted to introduce the ordinance (adoption scheduled for Nov. 18, 2025).
The Board of Supervisors on Nov. 4 introduced and waived reading of an ordinance amending the county code to regulate noncommercial use of sound amplification equipment in unincorporated San Joaquin County.
Lieutenant Nick Terriel of the sheriff’s special services division said the existing 'sound truck' ordinance was outdated and unclear about enforcement. The rewritten ordinance defines noncommercial amplification, preserves protections for hospitals, schools, churches and courts in session, and sets distance thresholds for enforcement (150 feet in residential areas and 500 feet in rural areas). Terriel said enforcement will be complaint driven and deputies may use a phone geolocation app and body cameras as evidence. “If the noise can be picked up on our body camera, we issue a citation,” Terriel said.
The board moved and passed the introduction and waiver of reading; the ordinance is scheduled for adoption on Nov. 18, 2025.
Why it matters: The change replaces a narrowly defined, enforcement‑challenging rule and establishes a clearer county standard for noncommercial noise complaints in unincorporated areas, though it does not apply inside incorporated cities such as Manteca unless those areas are unincorporated.
Next steps: Adoption hearing is scheduled for Nov. 18, 2025, after which implementing guidance and outreach to affected communities and sheriff's personnel will follow.
