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
Any sound device played loud enough to be heard 50 feet away between 10 p.m. and 8 a.m. is automatically treated as an unlawful disturbing noise under SDMC §59.5.0502(b)(2)(A), giving San Diego a citywide 10-to-8 noise curfew.
San Diego Nighttime Quiet Hours
Some RestrictionsSan Diego Municipal Code § 59.5.0502(b)(2)(A)
The operation of any such sound production or reproduction device, radio receiving set, musical instrument, drum, phonograph, television set, machine, loud speaker and sound amplifier or similar machine or device between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 8:00...
Construction Hours
Construction work that creates disturbing noise is banned before 7 a.m. and after 7 p.m. on weekdays, on Sundays, and on legal holidays without a permit from the Noise Abatement and Control Administrator; daytime work near homes is capped at 75 decibels.
San Diego Construction Noise Curfew
Some RestrictionsSan Diego Municipal Code § 59.5.0404(a)
It shall be unlawful for any person, between the hours of 7:00 p.m. of any day and 7:00 a.m. of the following day, or on legal holidays as specified in Section 21.0104 of the San Diego Municipal Code, with exception of Columbus Day and Washington's Birthday, or on Sundays, to erect, construct, de...
Barking Dogs
Keeping an animal whose frequent or long-continued noise annoys a reasonable neighbor is unlawful under SDMC §59.5.0502(c), and a complaint from two adjacent neighbors, or three nearby residents, is automatic proof of a violation.
San Diego Barking Dog Noise Rule
Some RestrictionsSan Diego Municipal Code § 59.5.0502(c)(1)
The keeping or maintenance, or the permitting to be kept or maintained upon any premises owned, occupied, or controlled by any person of any animal or animals which by any frequent or long-continued noise, shall cause annoyance or discomfort to a reasonable person of normal sensitiveness in the vicinity.
Leaf 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
Heavy 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 & Outdoor Sound
Radios, phonographs, and other sound devices played in San Diego's public parks, beaches, or adjacent lots and streets are capped at 65 decibels from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and 55 decibels overnight, measured 10 feet from the source.
San Diego Park and Beach Music Limits
Some RestrictionsSan Diego Municipal Code § 59.5.0502(f)
The operation of any radio, phonograph, television set, or any other sound production or reproduction device in any public park or on any public beach or any public parking lot or street adjacent to such park or beach, without the prior written approval of the City Manager or the Administrator... exceeding those found in the following table at any point ten (10) feet or more from the noise sour...
Aircraft Noise
Aircraft using Montgomery Field Airport must stay under set decibel limits by time of day, with tighter caps at night to protect nearby residential neighborhoods.
San Diego Montgomery Field Aircraft Noise Limit
Some RestrictionsSan Diego Municipal Code § 68.0158
Except as provided in Section 68.0159, no aircraft taking off or landing at Montgomery Field Airport between the hours of 6:30 a.m. and 11:30 p.m. of the same day shall exceed a maximum sound level of 88 decibels or a single event noise equivalent level of 94 decibels measured at any point between ground level and t...
Vehicle Noise
San Diego bars sound systems, car stereos, and vehicle radios from disturbing neighbors; playing one audibly beyond 50 feet between 10 p.m. and 8 a.m. is treated as a prima facie violation of the noise code.
San Diego Vehicle Stereo Noise Rules
Some RestrictionsSan Diego Municipal Code § 59.5.0502(b)(1)
The use or operation of any sound production or reproduction device, radio receiving set, musical instrument, drums, phonograph, television set, loud speakers and sound amplifier or other similar machine or device for the producing or reproducing of sound in such a manner as to disturb th...
Looking 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 →