Growing Complaints
Supervisor Glenn McGourty is leading an effort to simplify noise complaint procedures after hearing from constituents frustrated with the current system, which pits neighbors against each other.
In an interview with KZYX, Sheriff Matt Kendall explained that under California law, noise disturbances fall under crimes against public peace, governed by Penal Code Section 415. In Mendocino County, reporting a noise violation requires the complainant to prove they are the direct victim of the noise. In most cases, they must be willing to sign a citation or a citizen's arrest form. Many residents hesitate to take this step, fearing it will escalate tensions with their neighbors.
"We can't just take action without a victim, and that victim needs to say, 'Yes, I'll show up to court,'" Sheriff Kendall said, noting that many complaints end with little more than a warning to the offender. Without a formal citation, repeat offenses are common.
Unlike other areas, Mendocino County lacks a formal noise ordinance that would enable law enforcement to act more decisively. McGourty sees this as a significant problem, particularly in his district, where rural residential zoning includes parcels as small as an acre. Noise from parties, amplified music, and other disturbances have become a persistant complaint.
"Noise is like pollution, and when it's constant, it affects people's health—disrupting sleep, increasing stress, and deterring people from enjoying their homes," McGourty said. He pointed to Redwood Valley as a hot spot for complaints, where noise from parties in the park reverberates through surrounding subdivisions and trailer parks.
In contrast, the nearby city of Ukiah has a noise ordinance that prohibits excessive noise between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m., which McGourty believes improves quality of life. He proposes a similar ordinance for Mendocino County, with administrative citations for violators rather than criminal charges to avoid burdening the courts.
After discovering 1,751 disturbing-the-peace calls in the past year, McGourty plans to bring the issue to the Board of Supervisors. If his fellow supervisors agree, a draft ordinance will be presented to the public for input before moving forward to a vote.
McGourty hopes the ordinance will be one of his final acts as Supervisor, providing long-awaited relief for residents plagued by excessive noise.
