Noise Ordinances in San Diego, CA (2026)
7 verified noise ordinances for San Diego, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Quiet Hours
San Diego enforces quantitative sound level limits under SDMC Chapter 5, Article 9.5, Division 4. Residential one-hour average limits: 50 dBA daytime (7 AM-7 PM), 45 dBA evening (7-10 PM), 40 dBA nighttime (10 PM-7 AM). Amplified sound audible beyond 50 feet is prohibited during nighttime hours.
San Diego Quiet Hours & Noise Ordinance
Heavy RestrictionsConstruction Hours
SDMC Section 59.5.0404 prohibits construction noise between 7 PM and 7 AM on weekdays, all day Sundays and legal holidays. Saturday construction is permitted 7 AM to 7 PM. Maximum 75 dBA at residential property lines during the 12-hour permitted period.
San Diego Construction Noise Hours
Heavy RestrictionsBarking Dogs
San Diego prohibits frequent or long-continued animal noise under SDMC Section 59.5.0502(c). Dogs barking continuously or intermittently for extended periods that disturb a reasonable person of normal sensitivities may be cited. Complaints handled by Animal Services and Code Enforcement.
San Diego Barking Dog Noise Regulations
Some RestrictionsLeaf Blower Rules
SDMC Section 59.5.0502(b) restricts leaf blower use in residential zones: prohibited 7 PM to 8 AM weekdays and 5 PM to 9 AM weekends/holidays. Maximum 65 dBA at 50 feet. California AB 1346 banned sale of new gas-powered leaf blowers effective January 1, 2024.
San Diego Leaf Blower Noise Rules
Some RestrictionsCal. Health & Safety Code § 41015 (AB 1346, 2021)
small off-road engines, as defined by the state board. The bill would require the state board to identify and, to the extent feasible, make available funding for commercial rebates or similar incentive funding as part of any updates to existing applicable funding program guidelines to local air pollution control districts and air quality management districts to implement to support the transiti...
Amplified Music & Events
San Diego regulates amplified sound under SDMC Sections 59.5.0401 and 36.414. Amplified sound audible beyond 50 feet from the source is prohibited during nighttime quiet hours (10 PM-7 AM). Events with amplified music may require a Special Event Permit with noise conditions.
San Diego Amplified Music & Event Noise Rules
Some RestrictionsAircraft Noise
San Diego is heavily affected by aircraft noise from San Diego International Airport (Lindbergh Field), MCAS Miramar, Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport, and Brown Field. The Airport Land Use Compatibility Overlay Zone (ALUCOZ) under SDMC Chapter 13, Article 2, Division 15 (Section 132.1501 et seq.) restricts land uses within CNEL noise contours adopted by the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority. Montgomery Field imposes an 88 dB daytime noise limit and prohibits touch-and-go operations between 11:30 PM and 6:30 AM.
San Diego Aircraft Noise (SAN & MCAS Miramar)
Heavy RestrictionsIndustrial Noise
SDMC Section 59.5.0401 sets exterior noise level limits based on zoning districts. Industrial noise must not cause the one-hour average sound level to exceed the applicable limit at any location on or beyond the property boundary. The sound level limit at a boundary between two zoning districts is the arithmetic mean of the respective limits. The City enforces a 65 dB CNEL standard for noise-sensitive uses.
San Diego Industrial & Commercial Noise Limits
Some RestrictionsLooking for San Diego County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement San Diego city rules.
Noise Ordinances in San Diego County →