Noise Ordinances in Santa Monica, CA

If you live in Santa Monica or are thinking about moving there, noise ordinances are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Santa Monica has 7 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of noise ordinances, and some of them might surprise you.

Leaf Blower Rules

Gas-powered leaf blowers have been banned in Santa Monica since 1991. Only electric blowers with manufacturer sound rating of 70 dB or less are allowed (July 2023 update). Hours: Mon-Fri 8 AM-8 PM. Photo/video evidence accepted for enforcement.

Key details: Gas-Powered: Banned since 1991. Electric Max: 70 dB manufacturer rating. Hours: Mon-Fri 8 AM - 8 PM. Enforcement: Photo/video evidence via 311.

Violations are subject to administrative citations and fines under SMMC Chapter 1.09. Code Enforcement officers may issue citations for use of gas-powered blowers or operation outside permitted hours.

This is one of the stricter rules in Santa Monica's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

Decibel Limits

Residential zones are limited to 50 dBA at night and 55 dBA during the day (15-minute Leq); commercial zones allow 60/65 dBA; industrial zones allow 70 dBA anytime.

Key details: Zone I (residential) nighttime Leq: 50 dBA (15-min) / 60 dBA (5-min peak). Zone I (residential) daytime Leq: 55 dBA (15-min) / 65 dBA (5-min peak). Zone II (commercial) nighttime: 60 dBA (15-min). Zone II (commercial) daytime: 65 dBA (15-min). Zone III (industrial) anytime: 70 dBA (15-min).

Exceeding limits is a public offense: infraction ($250 max) or misdemeanor ($500 max or 6 months jail). The City may also seek nuisance abatement. Each day of continued violation is a separate offense.

Compared to other cities, Santa Monica takes a harder line on decibel limits. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

Quiet Hours

In residential zones (Noise Zone I), noise must stay at or below 50 dBA between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. on weekdays, or 10 p.m. and 8 a.m. on weekends.

Key details: Nighttime quiet hours (Zone I, Mon–Fri): 10 p.m. – 7 a.m.. Nighttime quiet hours (Zone I, Sat–Sun): 10 p.m. – 8 a.m.. Residential nighttime limit (15-min Leq): 50 dBA. Residential daytime limit (15-min Leq): 55 dBA. Speech/music penalty: Additional 5 dBA reduction required.

Violating exterior noise standards is a public offense. Infractions carry fines up to $250; misdemeanors carry fines up to $500 or up to 6 months in county jail, or both. Each day of violation is a separate offense.

Construction Hours

Construction is limited to Monday–Friday 8 a.m.–6 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m.–5 p.m.; no construction is allowed on Sundays or on federal holidays.

Key details: Allowed weekday hours: 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. (Mon–Fri). Allowed Saturday hours: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.. Sunday construction: Prohibited all day. Federal holiday construction: Prohibited all day. High-noise window (if over limits): 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Mon–Fri only.

Violating construction hour limits is an infraction (up to $250) or misdemeanor (up to $500 or 6 months jail). Construction requiring noise above standards outside permitted hours is separately enforceable. Each day is a separate offense.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Santa Monica actively enforces its construction hours requirements.

Barking Dogs

No dog, cat, or other animal may bark, yell, or cry for more than five continuous minutes or for fifteen total minutes in any sixty-minute period.

Key details: Continuous barking limit: 5 minutes. Total barking limit per hour: 15 minutes in any 60-minute period. Investigation threshold: Second complaint from a different household within 12 hours required before Animal Control investigates.

Violations are an infraction (up to $250) or misdemeanor (up to $500 or 6 months jail). Each day of continued violation is a separate offense. The City may also pursue nuisance abatement.

Aircraft Noise

The Santa Monica Airport Noise Abatement Code caps aircraft noise at 95 dB SENEL and bans departures or run-ups between 11 PM and 7 AM on weekdays or 11 PM and 8 AM on weekends.

Key details: Max noise level (SENEL): 95 dB. Night curfew (Mon–Fri): 11:00 PM – 7:00 AM. Night curfew (Sat–Sun): 11:00 PM – 8:00 AM. Initial repeat-violation penalty: $2,000. Maximum monetary penalty: $10,000 per violation.

Escalating civil penalties: $2,000 (first repeat/willful), $5,000 (second), $10,000 (third); after maximum fine, suspension of Airport privileges for 6 months, then revocation. Willful violation of Airport Director order is a misdemeanor under SMMC § 1.08.010.

Amplified Music & Outdoor Sound

No one may use sound amplifying equipment or play a musical instrument in public parks, beaches, or recreational facilities after 10 p.m. on weekdays or before 7 a.m. (8 a.m. weekends), unless they hold a City community event permit.

Key details: Park/beach curfew (weekdays): No amplified sound after 10 p.m. or before 7 a.m.. Park/beach curfew (weekends): No amplified sound after 10 p.m. or before 8 a.m.. Sidewalk curfew (Zone I): No amplified sound after 10 p.m.. Moving amplified sound (Zone I): Prohibited after 8 p.m.. Repeat performer cap: 45-minute limit on 3rd–7th day within same 7-day period.

Violations are an infraction (up to $250) or misdemeanor (up to $500 or 6 months jail). Each day of continued violation constitutes a separate offense.

The Bottom Line

Santa Monica is tougher than many cities when it comes to noise ordinances. Out of the 7 rules covered here, 3 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Santa Monica, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.

Keep in mind that Santa Monica can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.