Noise Ordinances in Santa Barbara, CA (2026)
10 verified noise ordinances for Santa Barbara, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Quiet Hours
The City of Santa Barbara's own noise ordinance (SBMC Chapter 9.16) bars any noise disturbance plainly audible 50 feet from the source. Radios, TVs, music players and instruments cannot create a disturbance audible across a residential or commercial property line between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m.
Santa Barbara Quiet Hours & Nighttime Noise
Some RestrictionsConstruction Hours
In the City of Santa Barbara, construction is allowed 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. daily under SBMC 9.16.040. Building, demolishing, excavating or repairing between 8:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. is unlawful if it exceeds the ambient noise level by 5 dBA at the nearest residential property line, unless the Chief Building Official grants a special permit.
Santa Barbara Construction Noise Hours
Some RestrictionsBarking Dogs
Under City of Santa Barbara Municipal Code Section 9.16.030(A)(3), it is unlawful to keep or harbor any animal or bird that frequently or for long duration howls, barks, meows or squawks so as to create a noise disturbance audible by a person of ordinary sensitivity across a residential or commercial real property line.
Santa Barbara Barking Dog & Animal Noise Rules
Some RestrictionsLeaf Blower Rules
The City of Santa Barbara bans gasoline-powered leaf blowers citywide (SBMC 9.16.060, voter Measure D97 of 1997). All other leaf blowers must meet a 65-decibel ANSI noise standard, and may not be used within 250 feet of a residential zone before 9:00 a.m. or after 5:00 p.m. Monday-Saturday, or at any time on Sundays or national holidays.
Santa Barbara Leaf Blower Rules
Heavy RestrictionsAmplified Music & Events
City of Santa Barbara Municipal Code Section 9.16.080 limits amplified sound to music or the human voice and caps it at 60 dB(A) measured outdoors at the property line and 45 dB(A) inside a neighboring residence. Loudspeakers cannot create a disturbance across a residential property line between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. under Section 9.16.030(A)(2).
Santa Barbara Amplified Music & Sound Rules
Some RestrictionsAircraft Noise
Aircraft noise is regulated by the federal government, not the City of Santa Barbara — federal law (City of Burbank v. Lockheed) preempts local in-flight noise rules. The City's only aircraft provision, SBMC 9.16.030/9.16.040 (historic), declares supersonic 'sonic booms' over the city a public nuisance and makes causing one unlawful.
Santa Barbara Aircraft & Sonic Boom Noise Rules
Few RestrictionsIndustrial Noise
In the City of Santa Barbara, exterior mechanical equipment may not exceed 53 dB(A) at a residential property line (SBMC 9.16.070(D)), and equipment near residential, institutional or park parcels is capped at 60 dB(A) CNEL. Non-electric mechanical equipment can't run outdoors before 7:00 a.m. or after 7:00 p.m. on weekdays, with tighter weekend hours.
Santa Barbara Industrial & Mechanical Noise Rules
Some RestrictionsDecibel Limits
The City of Santa Barbara uses a 50-foot 'plainly audible' standard for general noise (SBMC 9.16.020) plus specific decibel caps: 60 dB(A) outdoor / 45 dB(A) indoor for amplified sound (9.16.080), 53 dB(A) at a residential line for exterior mechanical equipment, 60 dB(A) CNEL for residential-area mechanical equipment, and 5 dBA over ambient for night construction.
Santa Barbara Noise Decibel Limits
Some RestrictionsOutdoor Music
Outdoor music in the City of Santa Barbara must meet the noise code's 50-foot 'plainly audible' rule (SBMC 9.16.020) and the 60 dB(A)-at-the-property-line amplified-sound cap (9.16.080). Loudspeakers cannot disturb a residential property line between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. City-, County- and school-sponsored events on their own property are exempt under permit conditions.
Santa Barbara Outdoor Music & Event Rules
Some RestrictionsVehicle Noise
City of Santa Barbara Municipal Code Section 9.16.070 limits motor-vehicle horns to a sound level of 60 dB(A) at 200 feet. Broader vehicle exhaust and muffler noise is controlled by California state law (Vehicle Code 27150-27151), which applies citywide, and standard car radios heard only by occupants are exempt from the City's amplified-sound rules.
Santa Barbara Vehicle & Engine Noise Rules
Some RestrictionsLooking for Santa Barbara County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Santa Barbara city rules.
Noise Ordinances in Santa Barbara County →