Noise Ordinances in Costa Mesa, CA (2026)
9 verified noise ordinances for Costa Mesa, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Quiet Hours
Costa Mesa Chapter XIII of the Municipal Code establishes noise control standards. Section 13-280 sets exterior noise standards for residential zones with different limits for daytime and nighttime. Willfully making loud, unnecessary noise that disturbs the peace is unlawful.
Costa Mesa Noise Control & Quiet Hours
Some RestrictionsConstruction Hours
Costa Mesa limits construction activity to 7 AM to 8 PM under CMMC Section 13-279(b). The development services director may grant temporary waivers for work outside these hours upon considering impacts to nearby communities.
Costa Mesa Construction Hours
Some RestrictionsBarking Dogs
Costa Mesa addresses barking dogs through its noise control ordinance and animal control provisions. Excessive or continuous barking that disturbs neighbors constitutes a nuisance. The Animal Services Unit handles complaints at (714) 754-5311.
Costa Mesa Barking Dog Regulations
Some RestrictionsLeaf Blower Rules
Costa Mesa regulates leaf blower noise through its general noise control ordinance in CMMC Chapter XIII. Leaf blowers must comply with exterior noise standards at the property line. California AB 1346 restricts new gas-powered blower sales statewide.
Costa Mesa Leaf Blower Regulations
Some RestrictionsAmplified Music & Events
Costa Mesa regulates amplified music under CMMC Chapter XIII noise control. Music and sound-producing devices must comply with exterior noise standards at the property line. Events with amplified sound may need special permits.
Costa Mesa Amplified Music Regulations
Some RestrictionsAircraft Noise
Costa Mesa is within the Airport Environs Land Use Plan for John Wayne Airport (SNA), which operates under departure noise limits and a voluntary nighttime curfew. The city enforces sound insulation requirements for new construction in noise impact zones.
Costa Mesa Aircraft Noise & John Wayne Airport
Some RestrictionsIndustrial Noise
Costa Mesa Municipal Code Title 13 establishes noise standards that vary by zoning district. Industrial and commercial noise crossing into residential zones must meet the residential standard at the property line, enforced by Code Enforcement.
Costa Mesa Industrial & Commercial Noise Standards
Some RestrictionsDecibel Limits
Costa Mesa establishes specific decibel thresholds under CMMC Title 13 that vary by zoning district and time of day. Residential zones allow approximately 55 dBA daytime and 50 dBA nighttime, measured at the property line of the receiving property.
Costa Mesa Decibel Limits by Zone
Some RestrictionsOutdoor Music
Outdoor music at residences, parks, and events in Costa Mesa must comply with CMMC Title 13 noise standards. Amplified outdoor music requires compliance with decibel limits and permitted hours, with exceptions for city-authorized events at venues like the OC Fair & Event Center.
Costa Mesa Outdoor Music Regulations
Some RestrictionsLooking for Orange County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Costa Mesa city rules.
Noise Ordinances in Orange County →