Noise Ordinances in San Clemente, CA (2026)
10 verified noise ordinances for San Clemente, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Quiet Hours
San Clemente Municipal Code Chapter 8.48 sets exterior noise limits that drop at night. On residential property the allowable level falls from 55 dB(A) during the day to 50 dB(A) between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m., with interior limits of 40 dB(A) at night.
San Clemente Nighttime Noise Limits
Some RestrictionsConstruction Hours
San Clemente allows construction noise only 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Saturday, with no construction on Sunday or City-recognized holidays, under SCMC §8.48.090(E).
San Clemente Construction Noise Hours
Some RestrictionsBarking Dogs
San Clemente prohibits animal noise, including dog barking, that unreasonably disturbs neighbors under SCMC §6.24.040. Barking heard beyond the property for 30 continuous minutes, or intermittently for 60 minutes, is a prohibited nuisance.
San Clemente Barking Dog Noise Rules
Some RestrictionsLeaf Blower Rules
San Clemente bans gas-powered leaf blowers under SCMC Chapter 8.50 (the Leaf Blower Ordinance, effective Nov. 4, 2022). Only electric leaf blowers rated at or below 65 dB(A) are permitted, and only during defined daytime hours.
San Clemente Leaf Blower Ordinance Rules
Heavy RestrictionsAmplified Music & Events
Commercial amplified sound in San Clemente requires a Minor Conditional Use Permit under SCMC §17.24.055. No permit may authorize amplified sound in any residential zone, and permitted sound is measured on the stricter C-weighted (dB(C)) scale.
San Clemente Amplified Sound Permit Rules
Heavy RestrictionsAircraft Noise
San Clemente has no local aircraft-noise ordinance. SCMC §8.48.090(I) exempts activity preempted by state or federal law, so aircraft overflight noise is governed by the FAA, not the City. San Clemente has no commercial airport of its own.
San Clemente Aircraft Noise Rules
Few RestrictionsIndustrial Noise
San Clemente limits industrial and manufacturing property noise to 70 dB(A) at all hours under SCMC §8.48.050. Fixed equipment such as HVAC, pumps and pool machinery must be muffled to meet these standards.
San Clemente Industrial Noise Limits
Some RestrictionsDecibel Limits
San Clemente sets numeric decibel limits by land use and time under SCMC §8.48.050. Residential exterior limits are 55 dB(A) day and 50 dB(A) night; commercial is 65/60 dB(A); industrial is 70 dB(A) at all hours.
San Clemente Decibel Noise Limits
Some RestrictionsOutdoor Music
Outdoor amplified music in San Clemente is regulated as commercial amplified sound under SCMC §17.24.055 (permit required, banned in residential zones) or allowed at events under a Special Event or Temporary Use Permit exemption in SCMC §8.48.090(B).
San Clemente Outdoor Music Rules
Heavy RestrictionsVehicle Noise
San Clemente prohibits unnecessary vehicle horns, defective mufflers, and rattling loads under SCMC §8.48.070, while general traffic noise on public streets is regulated by the California Vehicle Code rather than the local ordinance.
San Clemente Vehicle Noise Rules
Some RestrictionsLooking for Orange County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement San Clemente city rules.
Noise Ordinances in Orange County →